ZOO NEWS

Queensland Children's Week launches week of fun for kids.

Over 80 school students helped to celebrate children and their ongoing education with the official opening of Australia Zoo's brand new, state-of-the-art education facility, coinciding with the launch of Queensland Children's Week.

The Billabong Bill Australia Zoo Education Centre, inspired by Steve and Terri Irwin's vision of achieving 'conservation through exciting education' and sponsored by Nestlè Peters, will enable Australia Zoo's Education Department to provide further educational programs to visiting schools.

"We have been delivering hands-on wildlife and conservation presentations for school and university aged students for years, but now we have three fully functional and inspiring classrooms within which we can deliver our programs comfortably all year round," said Australia Zoo's Education Officer, Nick Bell.

"Australia Zoo has a very proud tradition of educating people on conservation and wildlife issues, with our Education Department active in educating younger generations about how the simple things they do effect the wider environment."

"Our education programs are very hands-on and include interaction with wildlife, and now we can take this interaction and our presentations to a new level with technology as well."

The launch of the Billabong Bill Australia Zoo Education Centre also coincided with the launch of Queensland Children's Week, a week-long celebration of the rights, needs and accomplishments of children.

"We are proud to continue our long-standing association with Australia Zoo, and join in this very special launch of their new education facility," said Queensland Children's Week Association Chairman, Leigh Shenfield.

"Organisations like Australia Zoo and Children's Week are providing unique experiences for children, while helping to develop the leaders of the future."

Australia Zoo has supported Queensland Children's Week for over four years, with Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin taking on the role of Family Ambassadors for the celebrations.

For more details on the Billabong Bill Australia Zoo Education Centre, including information on the education programs that Australia Zoo offers, visit www.australiazoo.com.au/education.