News - September 2009
Australia Zoo TV
Grab some pop-corn, dim the lights, sit-back and enjoy Australia Zoos latest little ripper- Australia Zoo TV!
You won't miss a minute of the action with Australia Zoo TV. Featuring exclusive Australia Zoo and Irwin Family webisodes, including The Crocodile Hunter, Australia Zoo TV boasts six channels of non-stop animal action. And the best part about it- you can watch them all for FREE!
Check out the life of our cheeky conservationist on Robert's Real Life Adventures and tune in to watch the one and only Crocodile Hunter as he dives into action. Get ready to learn something new everyday with Daily Video Diaries and Chat to a Keeper. Plus, follow the journey of the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit featuring one of Steve's wing-men, Brian-o!
You're invited to subscribe and login today to get the very best of Australia Zoo TV. You can rate, comment, blog and sign-up to receive notifications when your favourite webisodes are available.
Tune in to Australia Zoo TV today!
Funds raised vital for declining tiger populations
Terri Irwin shows support for International Tiger Day
Terri Irwin has made a donation on behalf of Australia Zoo to assist conservation projects run by Fauna and Flora International (FFI) in Sumatra, in conjunction with International Tiger Day on Sunday 27 September.
Held annually, International Tiger Day aims to bring attention to tiger conservation and the preservation of tiger habitat, with Australia Zoo this year donating $115,000 to assist with continuing vital Tiger Protection and Conservation Units.
Getting hands-on with Bashi, one of Australia Zoo's juvenile Sumatran Tigers, Terri said she was thrilled with the amount raised through Australia Zoo and confident that the money raised will assist the remaining tiger population.
"Australia Zoo is leading the way in tiger conservation with its revolutionary education programs and the support it offers organisations that are at the front line, actively in the field," said Terri.
"Working with and supporting Fauna and Flora International in Sumatra, Australia Zoo provides vital financial support, training and veterinary services to assist programs dedicated to tiger conservation."
With poaching and habitat destruction the biggest threats and an estimated 300 individuals remaining in the wild, Sumatran Tigers are critically endangered. Australia Zoo is involved in the International Breeding Program for Sumatran Tigers, with Bashi one of three tigers that has come from an Indonesian zoo in nearly 30 years, enabling the introduction of a new blood line into the breeding program.
"Genetically, the juvenile Sumatran Tigers that we have are some of the most important individuals in the world," said Terri.
So far this year, Australia Zoo has donated over $200,000 to support tigers internationally. Funds donated to FFI support the Tiger Protection and Conservation Units, and will help fund law enforcement patrols and undercover investigations into tiger poaching and trade.
Money raised by Australia Zoo is through visitor experiences, such as Tiger Walks and Tiger Photos, where guests experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a tiger, while also helping to fund tiger programs.
Guests can book an encounter with an Australia Zoo tiger, adopt one of our gorgeous tigers or make a donation to tiger conservation work.
Brotherly love
Wild tigers are not the most sociable of creatures. As adults, they are predominantly solitary. It's a rare sight to see two tigers together unless they are breeding or a mother raising her cubs.
In captivity, their independent instincts are just as strong, but given that we have nine tigers here at Australia Zoo, living close to one another, it's very important that they learn to get along.
It is important that our tigers have the most comfortable, stress-free life possible, so we spend a lot of time ensuring that each cat has a positive relationship with the other tigers around them. Australia Zoo's Big Cat handlers take the tigers for walks together and let them interact and play together everyday. If a disagreement occurs, a handler quickly steps in to settle them down before things get too heated.
For the most part, all the tigers, although not the best of friends, are quite happy to have one another around....and then there is Ranu and Juma!
Ranu and Juma are our two adult male Sumatran Tigers. At almost six years of age, these guys have grown up together at the Zoo. They get along so well, that they often play and relax together for hours-on-end.
Ranu and Juma's personalities are completely opposite. For example, Juma is a very relaxed boy who never stresses about anything. Ranu, on the other hand, is always alert to what he thinks he is missing out on. Despite their differences, they both seem to get a lot out of each others company. Opposites do attract!
Australia Zoo's Big Cat handlers are amazed by Ranu and Juma's close relationship. It is a great sight to see two full-grown adult male Sumatran Tigers so relaxed around each other. So next time you visit Australia Zoos Tiger Temple be sure to keep an eye out for Ranu and Juma and a bit of brotherly love.
'Conservation Conversations'- Save the koala!
Conservation Conversations are a series of free information sessions hosted by Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors. Join with us and learn about some amazing animals and how you can make a difference to our environment and wildlife.
Don't miss the next 'Conservation Conversations' information session on Thursday, September 24 and October 1, at the Australia Wildlife Hospital from 5:00-6:00pm. Special guest speaker, Vanda Grabowski, is set to discuss our threatened Aussie Icon - the koala.
Vanda will talk about our beautiful national icons and the perils koalas are facing in the wild, both due to natural and human impacts. Learn things that you as an individual or member of a group can do to reduce the negative impacts on koalas and help them survive.
Wildlife Warriors will be recruiting Koala Crusaders on the night - become part of a special group of people, dedicated to helping save our koalas.
Light refreshments and lucky door prizes are part of the free information session.
For more information and to book:
(Bookings are essential for catering purposes)
Phone: 1800 334 350
Email: info@wildlifewarriors.org.au
Join us to celebrate wildlife conservation
and get to know the locals making a difference.
Steve honoured in Queensland Business Hall of Fame
Steve Irwin was a Queenslander through and through. Amongst his many achievements, Stevo made a life-time of significant contributions to the economy, conservation and international reputation of his great state.
On September 15, 2009, Queensland honoured Steve's contributions, naming him as one of the twelve 'greats of Queensland business' to be inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame, a joint partnership between the Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Business, the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Library Foundation, celebrates leading businesses and business leaders who have enhanced the state's reputation and its economy.
Steve received the award for his outstanding international entrepreneurship, both in business and wildlife conservation and his significantly contribution to Queensland and its international reputation.
Her Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Ms Quentin Bryce presented the award to Australia Zoo's director and Steve's long-time friend, Wes Mannion.
"It's a real honour to accept this award on behalf of Steve, Terri and the Irwin family", said Wes.
"Steve's passion for conservation and exceptional vision still continues today at Australia Zoo as we work towards achieving his dreams.
"Steve always used to say, Australia is the best country to live, and Queensland is the best place on earth.
"That patriotism and love for this great State, coupled with Steve's global vision for conservation, continues to contribute significantly to Queensland and Australia Zoo's reputation internationally".
Steve's place in the Hall of Fame is among twelve of Queensland's finest businesses and business people including Don Argus, Castlemaine Perkins and Qantas.
Phil triumphs at business awards!
Australia Zoo prides itself on providing excellent customer service to everyone who walks through the gate. So it's no surprise that three of our top customer service representatives were finalists in the 'Caloundra Chamber of Commerce Business Awards'.
Philip O'Hanlon from Tours, Shane Matterson from Steve's Whale One and Henry Neil from Steve's Safari Shuttle were judged in the 'Individual Category of Outstanding Customer Service'. Each year, this prestigious award is presented to someone who exceeds their customer's needs and works well with team members to maintain effective customer service in their workplace.
The winner of the 2009 Outstanding Customer Service Award was our very own, exceptional Tour Guide, Phillip O'Hanlon! Wooo-hoo!
Philip, better known as Phil, is one of our private Tour Guides at Australia Zoo. He began working at Australia Zoo in 2006 and he has never looked back!
Next time you are heading to the Zoo- make sure you book a Private Tour with Phil!
Name our newest joey and win!
Hi,
My name is Chanel and I live at Australia Zoo's Koala Walk-Thru with 11 other female Koalas. Naturally, a girl never likes to reveal her age, but let's just say that 2004 was a very good year!
I like to think of myself as being a modern, independent girl - perhaps even a little on the feisty side. As a family trait my Mum Chloe and baby sister Charli have the same talent for speaking their mind and getting their point across.
I recently gave birth to my first joey and I am hoping you could help with the naming of my little bundle of joy.
Thinking of baby names is such a challenge. I really don't know where to start, so I would really love your help.
I'm not too sure whether this little treasure is a girl or a boy, so please feel free to give suggestions for both. Their Dad Lawson is one of the largest and most handsome male koalas at the Zoo. He is quite the charmer and has the most beautiful big fluffy ears. I fell in love in an instant.
If my joey is a little girl, she will no doubt be petite with a beautiful dark coat, like me. And of course, any boy of Lawson will be just like his dad - big, strong and irresistibly good looking.
To help you think of names, I've included a photograph of my newest joey sitting with me - so cute. Thank-you for your help in naming the newest little Aussie icon at Australia Zoo.
Love
Chanel
Name Chanel's joey!
In support of national 'Save the Koala Month' Australia Zoo is giving you the opportunity to name Chanel's absolutely beautiful new joey.
If your suggested name is chosen, you will win some ripper Australia Zoo prizes including a one-of-a-kind paw painting from our joeys mum, Chanel. How special is that!
To help Chanel's new little joey get the best start in life, you can be one of the first to adopt her! Or, you can support koalas in the wild by making a one-off donation to Wildlife Warriors koala conservation projects. Our Aussie icon needs your help to survive.
Competition closed October 4, 2009.
Indigenous Rangers Learn Croc Wrangling at Steve’s Place
Terri Irwin has shared Steve Irwin's crocodile research techniques with Indigenous rangers on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve as part of a long term commitment to mentor, train and provide employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
Returning from the annual croc research trip, Terri said this was an important part of Australia Zoo's commitment to local Indigenous people.
"We caught 31 crocs up at the Reserve this year using all of Steve's capture and release techniques. It is so special and important for us to pass this knowledge onto those around us, and we are honoured to share this with the northern Kaanju people," Terri said.
"We also visited schools in Weipa, Mapoon and Napranum so that Bindi and Robert could share and learn from local children and Professor Craig Franklin gave a presentation to the Council of Mapoon about the scientific findings on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.
"We welcome the opportunity to join in partnership with Traditional Owners to offer even more of these opportunities, and to share knowledge of this great country with each other," she said.
David Claudie - a Kuuku I'yu (northern Kaanju) elder, veteran ranger and CEO of the Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation, , brought five of his Rangers to the Reserve to explore the special area, which neighbours the northern Kaanju homelands centred on the upper Wenlock and Pascoe Rivers.
"The Wenlock River basin holds significant cultural and spiritual value for its Traditional Owners. It features many important Story Places, sacred ceremonial grounds, totemic sites, and areas of rock carving and painting," David said.
"The whole Wenlock River, its tributaries and springs have enormous cultural significance as the Creator of Ngaachi (homelands) under the umbrella of Pianamu (Rainbow Serpent).
"For the northern Kaanju people the Wenlock River is also closely linked with the I'wai (Crocodile) Story," David said.
"We are working with Australia Zoo towards protection of the Wenlock River and in respect for our totem the I'wai," said David.
The Head Ranger on the Reserve, Barry Lyon, said that the teaching and learning was experienced by both parties.
"It really is a two way relationship. We do our best to impart the western science we have learned, but in return we learn so much about Aboriginal culture, and the Indigenous perspective," Barry said.
"David and his Rangers are so knowledgeable about local wildlife and plants, it's terrific sharing our ideas and the things we've learned together," Barry said.
Terri and Australia Zoo will offer training and employment opportunities to local Indigenous groups in areas such as the arts, fire management, weed eradication and environmental research.
Indigenous people will have the opportunity to travel to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast to learn skills in an array of areas from construction to marketing, taking the skills and knowledge they acquire back to their own communities.
"Australia Zoo also employs over 600 people. We will offer these training and employment opportunities in perpetuity, not for a short term," Terri said.
There are now over 210,000 people who have signed the petition. Join the fight and Save Steve's Place by signing the petition at www.savestevesplace.com
Bindi: The Jungle Girl returns!
Crikey! Following Bindi Irwin's stint at the Daytime Emmy Awards in the US, where she was nominated for the second year in a row, brand new episodes of Bindi: The Jungle Girl are all set to hit our television screens.
Despite not retaining her title for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series for the second year in a row, Bindi was excited to be at the award ceremony, and offered her congratulations to the new recipient, Kevin Clash, who plays Elmo on Sesame Street.
"I was so honoured to be nominated along with four other people from Sesame Street, especially because Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th year!" Bindi said after the celebrations.
"I figure, because I beat Elmo last year, and he won this year - now we are even!"
The other nominees in the category were: Chris Knowings (who plays Chris Robinson), Martin P. Robinson (playing the Telly Monster) and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Abby Cadabby).
Bindi also presented the Entertainment Talk Show category on the televised Emmys to award winner Rachael Ray and wore a dress that she made herself.
"I decided to make a dress myself this year and donate the money to wildlife conservation, particularly to save the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve," Bindi said.
Bindi also expressed her appreciation for the support that Bindi: The Jungle Girl receives in the USA and around the world, and is excited that the new episodes are about to be aired in Australia.
"I'm just excited to be able to help teach people all over the world about conservation," said Bindi.
