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Zoo News

November 2009

Meet our cheeky pandas!
6 November 2009




Meet Yoddah and Pasang, our two very cheeky male Red Pandas.

Yoddah and Pasang joined the Zoo family in April this year. Our boys have certainly settled in very well and are great hosts for our daily encounters.

Everyday at Australia Zoo, our guests have the opportunity to meet our adorable Red Pandas in a private feeding session. These boys will sit on your lap for a stunning photo opportunity and hangout while you feed them.

As summer rolls around, our two cheeky boys are slowing down and spending time high in their trees to catch the breeze. To encourage Yoddah and Pasang to come down and say G'Day to everone, their keepers bring out their favourite foods and they usually respond very eagerly!

It is typical for Red Pandas in captivity and in the wild, to be less active and consume less food in the warmer months, so we need to become more patient as they take their time to wake up and come down to see us.

Be sure to check out Yoddah and Pasang next time you visit Australia Zoo!

 


Animal related to this Zoo News:
Red Panda

Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 
Elephant Keeper Talk
 


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KHAKI IT tips from the Khaki Army!
6 November 2009


Briano from the Rescue team.


With Steve Irwin Day just around the corner, the Khaki Army at Australia Zoo have put together some simple tips on how you can KHAKI IT and become a Wildlife Warrior!

The message is clear for Steve Irwin Day on 15 November - Khaki is more than a colour. It's an attitude. It's a stand to do something positive in our world and a passion to make a difference. And when you make a difference - you KHAKI IT!

The Khaki Army lives and breathes conservation everyday. With years of combined experience they take on the huge responsibility of educating the public on conservation and reducing their impact on the environment and the world's wildlife.

Australia Zoo's curator, Kelsey Mostyn has been at Australia Zoo since she was 15 years old, and has had years of hands on experience with wildlife and conservation programs. Kelsey believes that education is the key to conservation.

"The most important advice I can give to those who want to play a part in conservation is to spread the message. Educate other people on your knowledge - the more people you tell, the more impact you will have and the more animals you will save," Kelsey said.

Another Australia Zoo staff member who draws on their own personal experience to educate is Australia Zoo's International Conservation Manager Giles Clark. With a passion for conservation, Giles draws not only on his time at Australia Zoo, but also on his experience in the field to help spread his conservation messages. He has worked with many projects including tiger conservation in India and gorilla conservation in Africa.

"The environment is the life support system to every living thing on earth, including us! People make decisions everyday that effect environments all over the world - we need to educate them to make the right decisions," said Giles, "be a wise consumer; don't purchase products made from wildlife, or wood products made from unsustainable sources. Be aware and make educated purchases for the benefit of our wildlife and their habitat."

Elephant Keeper Justin Gibson is very aware of these threats, as these are major causes for decline in elephant numbers in the wild. "Common products that are made from wildlife include traditional medicines, souvenirs and lucky charms," Justin said.

Justin works with Australia Zoo's three gorgeous Asian Elephants; his passion for wildlife can be seen during the daily presentations and elephant feeding demonstrations. He hopes to help people better understand the Elephant's fight to survive.

Justin says, "Believe it or not, elephant poaching still exists, by not purchasing products made from or containing wildlife, if we can stop the demand, then we can stop the cause for them to be hunted."

Working with animals a little closer to home, Native Mammal Keeper Tammy Forge believes that by simply being aware of our wildlife can help save their lives.

"With the holiday season fast approaching it means there will be more cars on the road and more opportunities for accidents involving wildlife to occur," said Tammy, "It's important to be observant when travelling and keep to the speed limit - lower speeds mean a greater survival rate for humans and animals."

When you see that khaki uniform, it is a sign that somebody is there to get in and get their hands dirty and save an animal or campaign for wildlife conservation. You don't have to be Terri, Bindi or Robert Irwin, or a member of the Australia Zoo crew to be a Wildlife Warrior. Anyone can make a difference. Anyone can KHAKI IT!

At Australia Zoo and Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, the legacy of Conservation, Family and Fun that Steve created continues, and every day they KHAKI IT!

This Steve Irwin Day, November 15, visit Australia Zoo and join in the celebrations, or wear khaki and make a donation to continue Steve's legacy.

Visit www.australiazoo.com.au for more information and KHAKI IT!

 



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Free trip winners!
3 November 2009




The Steve Irwin Day Free Trip competition went off like a frog in a sock! On the final day of voting, there were nearly 40 video entries from all around the globe, all competing for the trip of a lifetime! And every entrant showed Australia Zoo all the fantastic work they do to KHAKI IT and make a difference to wildlife and conservation!

Terri, Robert and Bindi loved all the video's and had a great time choosing the winners.

And the winners are...

In first place, joining in the Steve Irwin Day celebrations here at Australia Zoo are Dani and Ashlyn from South Florida USA.

Close behind in second place are Queensland siblings Ailish and Ash.

And finally, in third place is Eric Ash from Canada. Wooo-hoo!

Check out the winners videos now!

Thank-you to everyone who entered- you all make a difference to wildlife and conservation and...you KHAKI IT!

 


Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 


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An evening of celebrations
30 October 2009


2008 Gala Dinner


Australia Zoo invites you to join Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin at an exclusive charity dinner held on the eve of Steve Irwin Day to celebrate the life of the one and only Crocodile Hunter.

The Steve Irwin Day Gala Dinner remembers the life and legacy of the original Wildlife Warrior - Steve Irwin. All proceeds from the fundraising dinner will go directly to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, to continue the conservation work Steve was so passionate about.

In 2008, the Steve Irwin Day Gala Dinner was celebrated in style at Hillstone St Lucia with 400 guests attending with a touch of khaki and helping to raise $100,000 for wildlife conservation!

Our goal in 2009 is to keep Steve's dream alive and raise as much money as we can for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors conservation projects within Australia and around the world.

The evening is set to dazzle with special performances by Jessica Mauboy and Odyssey and hosted by Channel Nine's Steve Jacobs and Sophie Formica. Plus there will be several exclusive celebrity auction items up for grabs on the night.

Don't miss you chance to be part of the fun, entertainment and celebrations. There are only a few seats left so book now.

To reserve your seat at the Steve Irwin Day Gala Dinner, please call 07 5436 2100 or email anna@australiazootravel.com.au

For more information please visit the Steve Irwin Day website.

 


Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 


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Fundraise and win!
28 October 2009




Calling all Wildlife Warriors! Steve Irwin Day is just around the corner and we need you to jump onboard and register to fundraise today!

Continue Steve's legacy and spread the conservation message by supporting Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors this Steve Irwin Day. And if you register to fundraise between October 28 and November 4, you will receive a ripper prize for your great work. Remember- every little bit counts!

Register to fundraise now!


Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 


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Crikey Las Vegas!
22 October 2009




Have a go at this! Last week Australia Zoo representatives met with Las Vegas government officials to continue previous discussions that began back in 2004 with Steve Irwin.

Whilst it's not guaranteed that Australia Zoo will set up in Las Vegas, there a number of options and locations in the USA that are being looked into.

"It would be the greatest marketing tool for Australian tourism on the face of the earth," Steve Irwin said back in 2004.

"There is a huge fascination around the world with Australia's unique wildlife and culture," he said.
Should the Australia Zoo concept establish itself in the USA, Steve's dream was for it to "showcase Australian lingo, wildlife and culture."

"This would be a huge benefit to Australian tourism. It would be like establishing a window of opportunity for America to experience a taste of Australia with the hope of enticing them to visit our beautiful country," Australia Zoo Director Wes Mannion.

"This will enable Australia Zoo to educate millions of people on the importance of conservation and wildlife protection.

"The benefits from this project will go toward our wildlife projects in Australia and around the world," Wes said.

It was Steve Irwin's dream to bring conservation to the world stage and there is no better place to do this than in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.

"With 35 million people visiting Las Vegas each year, the zoo would be an unparalleled vehicle to promote Australia internationally" Steve Irwin 2004.

 


Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 


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Meet Jub Jub!
22 October 2009


Jub Jub at the photo studio

This is Jub Jub, Australia Zoo's magnificent male Green Iguana! Jub Jub was born here at Australia Zoo back in early 2001 - so our boy is currently in the prime of his life! He could potentially live into his twenties and weigh up to seven or eight kilos.

Green Iguanas are found throughout much of mainland Central and South America. They spend a lot of time high up in the tree canopy. And despite their fearsome look, they are primarily herbivores, loving nothing more than a feed of hibiscus flowers, rock melon, mango and an assortment of other fruits and veggies.

Jub Jub has recently joined in the action at the Wildlife Photography studio where, along with his brother Shrek, he meets our guests for an exciting photo opportunity. With his prehistoric looking scales, spiky crest and large dewlap; a photo with Jub Jub the Green Iguana is quite the souvenir!

So next time you are passing through Australia Zoo, be sure to stop and check out Jub Jub- he would love to have his picture taken with you!

 


Animal related to this Zoo News:
Green Iguana

Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 


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Going red for Daniel
22 October 2009




On October 13, 2009, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) together with Bruce and Denise Morcombe and Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin launched a special video news release in an effort to raise awareness of missing persons and child safety.

The video features interviews with AFP Commissioner Tony Negus, Bruce and Denise Morcombe and Terri and Bindi, and urges public support for the red-themed Day for Daniel on Friday 30 October.

Australia Zoo is proud to support the annual Day for Daniel by hosting activities on the day. Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin are Family Ambassadors for Queensland Children's Week, and show their support for the Day for Daniel by wearing red.

"By supporting this wonderful organisation," Mrs Irwin said, "you're helping to keep children safe and smart about their surrounds. We want children to get better educated about this, to avoid dangerous situations. Every child deserves to be safe."

In 2009, Australia Zoo will celebrate the end of Queensland Children's Week with a closing ceremony presentation in the Crocoseum on Friday 30 October, to coincide with the Day for Daniel. The presentation will be attended by other ambassadors of Queensland Children's Week and invited guests, and representatives of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.


Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 


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Bindis_ZooCrew on Twitter!
16 October 2009



Callling all Tweeters!

Now you can follow Bindis_ZooCrew on Twitter! Receive all the latest Bindi, Robert, Terri and Australia Zoo updates everyday from the crew at Australia Zoo.

Don't miss a minute of the action- follow Bindis_ZooCrew now at www.twitter.com/Bindis_ZooCrew.

Check-out a few of Bindi_ZooCrew tweets so far...

Isn't it great running through the rain? I did it yesterday and it felt awesome! Bindi.

Such a great start to the day going for a run in the Zoo! Terri.

I bought a toy! It's so fun going to Target with my mum! Robert

Crikey! U can win a trip to Australia Zoo this Steve Irwin Day! Just upload a vid showing how you KHAKI IT! Visit http://ow.ly/thKl ZooCrew


Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 


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Our joey koala has a name!
12 October 2009


Allure holds on tight to mum, Chanel

Little Allure

Crikey! Australia Zoo's ‘Name the Joey' competition went off like a frog in a sock! During national 'Save the Koala Month' a whopping 700 people suggested names for the newest addition to the Zoo family- a gorgeous koala joey.

Last week, Australia Zoo koala keepers were able to get close enough to discover that our new bundle of joy is...a little girl! This discovery came just in time to select the perfect name.

With 700 names to sift through- the koala keepers had a big job ahead of them...or did they?

As a third generation koala at Australia Zoo, this little joey is part of a big koala family, whose names all have something in common. Mum Chanel, Aunty Charli and Grandma Chloe were all named after designer perfumes. So, to continue the family tradition, our koala keepers were on the look-out for a fitting perfume to be the name of the new joey. And they found it!

Australia Zoo is very pleased to announce that our new koala joey has been named ...Allure!

Congratulations to Kerri from Slacks Creek in Queensland who suggested this very fitting name. We are sure that little Allure will grow up to be a very sophisticated and spoilt girl- just like her mum Chanel!

Kerri has a ripper prize pack coming her way, including a gorgeous paw-painting from Chanel and a stack of Australia Zoo goodies!

A big thanks everyone who helped save our Aussie Icon during ‘Koala Month' by adopting one of Australia Zoo's koalas or donating to Wildlife Warriors koala projects.

 


Animal related to this Zoo News:
Koala

Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 
Elephant Keeper Talk
 
Koalas LIVE
 


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