Terri fell in love with the truest and bluest Aussie that ever lived. Her honeymoon was spent jumping crocs, setting traps and camping out under the stars of Steve's beloved country. It wasn't long before Terri too, fell in love with the rich, rare beauty of Australia!

On Steve Irwin Day 2009, as wildlife warriors around the world stopped to remember the one and only Crocodile Hunter, Terri took to the stage in the Crocoseum to officially become a proud Aussie citizen!

In front of a sea of khaki, Terri pledged her allegiance to the country she has called home for almost 20 years.
To top it off, Bindi and Robert joined Terri on stage to sing Advance Australia Fair for their true-blue Aussie mum. Wooo-hoo!

The ceremony was a ripper start to the celebrations at Australia Zoo where thousands turned out in Khaki to enjoy the many things Stevo was passionate about: FAMILY, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, FUN and KHAKI!

Check out the Steve Irwin Day 2009 photo gallery!

Crikey! Australia Zoo was named Major Tourist Attraction for 2009 at the Queensland Tourism Awards held in Brisbane, and now joins the Hall of Fame after receiving the recognition for the third year in a row.

The Queensland Tourism Awards acknowledge and reward businesses in Queensland's tourism industry for their innovation, achievements and ongoing hard work. Queensland's major tourist attraction, Australia Zoo, has set the standard for being a leading zoological facility, and a must see hot spot for locals and tourists alike.

Terri Irwin, who was notified of the win with Bindi and Robert at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, said she was ecstatic about the honour.

"We are so proud to be recognised as a tourism icon in both Queensland and Australia, being honoured also at the Australian Tourism Awards earlier this year," said Terri.

Australia Zoo's global vision for conservation continues to contribute significantly to Queensland and Australia's tourism industry and reputation internationally.

"We now want to take the award-winning Australia Zoo experience to the world, with plans for an exciting new attraction in Las Vegas."

Australia Zoo Director, Wes Mannion said he was honoured to accept the award, which is the result of the Zoo offering the ultimate day out, continuously contributing to conservation projects and exhibiting some of the world's most awesome wildlife.

"Steve was the best teacher and the best educator - we're all still following his legacy," said Wes.

"Australia is the best country in the world, and people come to Australia to see our wildlife, not to eat it."

Wes is also excited about continuing plans for development, including opportunities to take the conservation message global.

"Watch this space - we are going to continue to take conservation to the world!"

Australia Zoo will now progress to the Australian Tourism Awards, in which the iconic tourist destination took out the award for Major Tourist Attraction for 2008.

Crikey! Bindi and Robert Irwin were named 'Biggest Greenies' at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards held in Melbourne last night.

The two young Wildlife Warriors were recognized for their conservation efforts and for shining a light on what kids and young people can do to make a difference to wildlife and the environment.

"I'm so proud that Robert got named with me as Biggest Greenie," said Bindi.

"I think my little brother is a legend!"

Having received the award in 2008, Bindi this year shared the honours with Robert, who was excited to receive the title at the popular kids awards show.

"I loved winning the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Biggest Greenie! This was the best day of my life!" said Robert.

The award comes just days before Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin prepare to celebrate the life and legacy of Steve Irwin, with activities at the Zoo and all over the world to be held on Sunday 15 November - Steve Irwin Day.

Bindi has also been nominated for her first ARIA award, having received a nod for Bindi Kitfitness. The ARIA awards will be announced in Sydney on 26 November.

It has been almost one year to the date when staff at Australia's newest and largest wildlife hospital officially celebrated the opening of their brand new facilities.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors - Australian Wildlife Hospital will celebrate its one year anniversary on Steve Irwin Day, November 15, but not in the style that it saw when its doors were officially opened.

The opening in 2008 attracted over 150 guests, including VIP guests Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin and Wildlife Warriors ambassadors The Veronicas, Khaliah Ali and Jamie Dunn.

This year, the anniversary will be just another day at the hospital where staff will be busy treating the average of 30 animals that come through the hospital's doors every single day, and caring for over 80 patients that are recovering from their injuries and illness within the hospital.

The entourage of 26 full time staff which includes veterinarians, vet nurses and admin staff, and over 90 volunteers, have already treated over 6,300 animals this year.

By the time the New Year ticks around, the number of patients treated in 2009 will be almost 40% more (average increase in patients since 2004) than what was treated in 2008.

"We have seen a steady increase in the number of patients we receive every year since the old hospital was opened in 2004," says Gail Gipp, General Manager who was there when the original hospital was opened, along with Dr Jon Hanger.

"The hospital is growing fast, and whilst that isn't necessarily a good thing, as it means that more and more wildlife out there are being injured, we are at least able to ensure that there is less suffering for the animal involved and some positive support for the person involved in the rescue of that animal."

During its one year of operation, the new hospital has seen over 700 koalas, over 2,500 birds and almost 300 freshwater and marine turtles.

The new hospital has seen a number of memorable patient stories, the most notable being Blair, a koala that has been admitted to the hospital a total of three times over the last year.

Blair's first visit to the hospital was the result of a dog attack in July 2008. Two months later, Blair was hit by a car, and a further six months down the track, Blair was struck again.

Blair suffered from a dislocated hip and is now receiving the best 24-hour care available from the staff at the hospital. They have high hopes he will be released back to the wild within weeks.

Future plans for the hospital include an upgrade of the current turtle rehabilitation pools to a full-blown turtle rehabilitation centre; and also the construction of a new raptor rehabilitation enclosure to house large-flight birds during their time in care at the hospital.

The construction of a raptor rehabilitation enclosure has been thrust into a near-future reality following a generous donation of $58,000 by the Handley family to cover the costs of building.

"We will be forever grateful for this donation, which will allow the hospital to extend its care of raptors, without the need of sending them to the Gold Coast for rehabilitation," says Gail.

"It's incredibly caring people like the Handley family that enable the hospital to continue caring for all injured wildlife and hopefully returning them to the wild sooner rather than later."

The hospital also contributes towards the scientific community, performing research into wildlife diseases, including koala Chlamydia and the koala retrovirus (KoRV).

In September, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors launched its Koala Crusaders campaign to raise much needed funds for the Australian Wildlife Hospital koala research fund.

To date, over $25,500 has been raised through this campaign to go towards extensive research to accurately detail what is happening to the southeast Queensland koala population.

But Gail says more money is still needed in order to give us a better chance of saving koalas from extinction.

"It's a good start, and the Australian community, and even people internationally, are realising the devastation we could have on our hands if koalas were to become extinct," says Gail.

"Research and education are two of the key factors in saving this amazing species."

"The Australian Wildlife Hospital was inspired by Steve's mum Lyn Irwin. To help us carry on Steve's legacy for his mother, we are calling upon everyone to help us save one, save the species."

To register to fundraise for Steve Irwin Day or to donate to Wildlife Warriors and the Australian Wildlife Hospital.

Australia Zoo wants Wildlife Warriors around the globe to be part of the fun and celebrations on Steve Irwin Day. So, we're streaming the event LIVE online at www.australiazoo.tv!

The live stream kicks-off at 10:30am (AEST) from the
Crocoseum where Terri, Bindi, Robert and EDGE will officially open the day, followed by a ripper performance by Aussie artist, Jessica Mauboy. And that's just the beginning!

Tune in to Australia Zoo TV this Steve Irwin Day to be part of the KHAKI action. Wooo-Hoo!

WWE Superstar Edge will do his part to KHAKI IT this Steve Irwin Day, as he joins Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin in officially opening the celebrations on Sunday 15 November.

"We all know there was only one Steve Irwin. I will do what I can to help communicate his message worldwide and help celebrate his special day," said WWE Superstar Edge.

Celebrating the life and legacy of the original Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin Day aims to raise awareness and funds to continue conservation projects around the world.

"I work and live primarily in the US but I'm still aware of Steve's message of conservation. I think that speaks volumes as to how important and relevant the message of conservation is globally.

"My message would be not to take our wildlife and wilderness for granted. You should enjoy it but also do what you can to preserve and protect it," said Edge.

Edge will join Terri, Bindi and Robert as well as a host of special guests in celebrating Steve Irwin Day at Australia Zoo, with Terri urging everyone to get involved and help continue Steve's legacy.

"I think it is still terribly important that we remember and honour what Steve stood for," said Terri.

"He always believed that family came first and was passionate about standing strong as a Wildlife Warrior. He lived his life fighting to protect wildlife and wild places. Now we must continue his work."

You can join in the celebration of Steve Irwin Day at Australia Zoo this Sunday, 15 November. Activities begin at 6am with a free BBQ and Croc Hunter movie marathon, with gates opening at 8am. In true Stevo tradition, come along dressed in your khaki's and get 10% off admission to Australia Zoo and a free gift (while stocks last).

Other special guests include Jessica Mauboy, who will perform in the Crocoseum, and Professor Craig Franklin who will provide a special presentation and update on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

Plus you can learn all about how to KHAKI IT, with tips from the Australia Zoo crew, check out a demonstration by the Australia Zoo Crocodile Research team, and meet the Dick Johnson Racing Crew and get their autograph.

All funds raised through Steve Irwin Day go directly to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors to continue Steve's conservation work around the world.

To celebrate Steve Irwin Day on 15 November, Wildlife Warriors around the world have started fundraising for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors conservation projects.

From Australia to New York, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Brazil, people of all ages and nationalities and are getting involved to continue Steve's legacy.

Eleven and twelve year old sisters, Jesse and Eryn Brandecker, from New Jersey, USA share a passion for wildlife conservation that has seen them celebrate Steve Irwin Day every year since the inaugural celebrations in 2007.

"We wanted to be part of saving wildlife and their natural habitat and what better way to do it than on a day with the rest of the world!" says Jesse.

"Steve was our hero! He made animals all over the world come to life in our living room.

"This year we have our online web profile and we have a raffle once a week for people to win prizes to help raise money."

A little closer to home, local Sunshine Coast Wildlife Warrior, Leesa Neilen, will be wearing khaki on Steve Irwin Day and asking for donations to help wildlife conservation.

"I really believe in trying to save as much wildlife as we can, every little bit does help and more people need to get behind the great work that Wildlife Warriors do," Leesa said.

"The animals deserve everything we can do for them."

Five-year-old Holly from Adelaide has also been fundraising for Steve Irwin Day and has already raised over $300.

Holly's mum, Cathy, says Holly is inspired by Steve Irwin's message and has been taking an interest in it all year.

"Holly has had a love of all animals for a long time and the environmental message that Australia Zoo is putting out is hitting home with Holly," says Cathy.

"She is so passionate about animals and I think they will always be a part of her life.

"I decided that because of Holly's interest in animals and Australia Zoo, that Steve Irwin Day was a good opportunity to do a fundraiser."

As major sponsor of Wildlife Warriors, Australia Zoo is offering the individual who raises the most funds the opportunity to enjoy one week of adventure on the Sunshine Coast, including unlimited entry to Australia Zoo and the chance to meet Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin.

Likewise, the school group or corporate team that raises the most funds will receive a personal visit* to their home, school or office by Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin.

Runners-up in both categories will receive autographed merchandise from the Irwin family.

Fundraisers need to be registered in order to be eligible to win the major prizes. So Start Fundraising now!

*Terms and conditions apply.

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!

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.

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!