Steve Irwin Day
Sunday 15 November 2009
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What Was On
November 15 2009
Crikey! The countdown has begun for Steve Irwin Day on November 15 - an international and annual event to celebrate the extraordinary life of the one and only Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. The day will represent the many things Steve was passionate about: FAMILY, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, FUN and KHAKI.
There will be STACKS of fun and activities at Australia Zoo on Steve Irwin Day, all focused on celebrating and remembering the life of Steve Irwin!
Highlights
- Terri, Bindi, Robert Irwin and Wes Mannion feeding the Crocs
- a special performance by Jessica Mauboy
- a guest appearance by WWE superstar, Edge!
What's on this Steve Irwin Day?
In the carpark:
- Rotary are cooking up a free Breakfast from 6:00am (until stocks last). Then hang around to watch the Crocodile Hunter movie marathon in the Khaki Cinema
- Have a go on the FREE Segway rides around the obstacle course
- Slip and slide down out giant FREE Croc slide
- Toyota Scifleet will be bringing along 3 of their eco-friendly hybrid vehicles to show how they are KHAKI-ing IT
- You have seen it cruising around the streets of the Sunshine Coast. Now, get your photo next to the Australia Zoo Croc Cruiser.
- Check out the KHAKI IT tent where you will see different companies that have built their businesses on being environmentally friendly and helping the community.
- Get the kids in for a bit of fun FREE recycling activities in our Recycle Factory run by Beerwah's Community Recycling.
Crikey! The fun doesn't stop there! Head inside the Zoo early at 8:00am for even more action packed fun. Everyone donning their Khaki's will receive 10% off the admission price and a FREE Steve Irwin Day gift (while stocks last). Wooo-hoo!
In the Zoo:
- Gates open at the early time of 8:00am
- Make sure you're in the Crocoseum at 10:30am to catch Terri, Bindi, Robert and Wes Mannion feeding the Crocs, a special performance by Jessica Mauboy, and a guest appearance by WWE superstar, Edge!
- Don't miss out on your chance to meet the following celebrities:
Dick Johnson* and his racing team at 10:00am - 10:30am.
Jessica Mauboy* at 1:30pm - 2:00pm
WWE Superstar Edge* at 1:00pm - 1:45pm
*Limited spaces available
- Be in the Crocoseum at 1:30pm to catch a special presentation by Professor Craig Franklin on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, and take part in the auction for a private animal encounter with Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin!
- Join Australian singer, songwriter and former world champion surfer, Beau Young, who will be performing throughout the day
- Don't miss the tremendous sounds of The Blenders - a huge Khaki clad male choir roving around the zoo
- Visit the KHAKI IT tent to see how Australia Zoo KHAKI's IT and find out how you can too!
- Make your FREE possum boxes and green thumbs pot planting to take home with you!
Wildlife Warriors silent auction:
Don't forget to check out the ripper auction items on Steve Irwin Day, with all money raised going to Wildlife Warriors! Here are just a few to whet your whistle...
- BRISBANE LIONS - Block-mounted 2008 "HBA Lions Alliance" team photo signed by the team including legendary coach Leigh Matthews. Ready to hang!
- THE VERONICAS - Khaki shirt signed by The Veronicas - Lisa and Jess Origliasso (framed)
- DICK JOHNSON - Khaki shirt signed by Jim Beam Racing's Dick Johnson (framed)
- BARBIE - Khaki shirt signed by and adorned with a picture of Barbie (framed)
- PUSSYCAT DOLLS - Khaki shirt signed by Pussycat Dolls (framed)
- PAT RAFTER - Khaki shirt adorned with the handprints of one of Australia's greatest ever tennis players, Pat Rafter (not framed)
- SUMMER DOWN UNDER - 2008 SDU shirt signed by Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin (not framed)
- QUIKSILVER PRO - T-shirt signed by champion surfers on 2004 tour including Kelly Slater, Mark Occhilupo, Taj Burrow, Dan Molloy, Koby Abberton & more (not framed)
- CASTROL CAP - Signed by Mark Winterbottom and Steve Richards (not framed)
- CANVAS ALLIGATOR ART - Crikey! This is your chance to own a unique piece of Alligator Art! Created by our very own Zoo alligators...Wooo-hoo!
- FRAMED CHEETAH PAINTING - An enchanting depiction of this beautiful creature created by artist Wendy Hartman.
- BREVILLE BAR AROMA COFFEE & SPICE GRINDER -This stylish stainless steel coffee grinder perfectly grinds coffee beans to preserve delicate natural oils, maximizing both flavour and aroma. Removable bean container, holds up to 250g coffee beans...Coffee anyone?
Plus don't miss Australia Zoo's 14 awesome wildlife shows everyday where you can get hands on with even more roving wildlife! Meet our naughty wombats, slithering snakes, gorgeous dingo's and bonzer birds, and have a go at Bindi's Pony Trails!
Check out the new Steve Irwin Day website!
Related Zoo News
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
Related Zoo News
KHAKI IT to win a free trip!
Lights-camera-wildlife action! Australia Zoo's free trip competition is on again! Here is your chance to celebrate the life of the one and only Crocodile Hunter, at the place where it all began...
Australia Zoo has teamed up with Australia's newest international airline "V-Australia" to give one lucky USA or Australian family the chance to celebrate Steve Irwin Day at Australia Zoo on November 15, 2009.
You and three friends or family will land smack-bang in the middle of the Steve Irwin Day celebrations. You won't miss a minute of the action with three jam-packed days of amazing animals and entertainment at Australia Zoo. Enjoy VIP seating in the Crocoseum for Steve Irwin Day, an amazing Animal Extravaganza, a VIP tour of the new Australian Wildlife Hospital and stacks more!
To top it off, you will receive $500 Crikey Cash to spend on everything Australia Zoo, plus five night's accommodation at a luxurious Dreamtime Resort. What a little beauty!
For your chance to win this WILD prize, simply create a two minute video showing the world how you KHAKI IT to make a difference to wildlife and the environment. Then login to your YouTube account and upload your video as a 'Video Response' to the 'Australia Zoo Free Trip 2009' announcement video.
And if you're not from Australia or the USA- don't sweat it! There are great second and third prizes up for grabs.
The winners will be selected from the top 10 rated videos and judged by Terri Irwin!
Get in quick and be one of the first 50 people to enter a video to receive some you beaut Australia Zoo Prizes!
Check it out now!
Related Zoo News
An evening of celebrations
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.
Related Zoo News
Free trip winners!
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!
Related Zoo News
Wildlife Warriors around the world fundraise
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.
Related Zoo News
Steve Irwin Day LIVE online!
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!
Related Zoo News
WWE Superstar to KHAKI IT for Steve Irwin Day
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.
Related Zoo News
Australian Wildlife Hospital celebrates one year anniversary
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.
Related Zoo News
Bindi and Robert Irwin named 'Biggest Greenies'
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.
Related Zoo News
Remembering Steve...
Steve Irwin Day 2009 went off like a frog in a sock with thousands of fellow conservationists from around the world joining forces to KHAKI IT and remember the one and only Crocodile Hunter.
The celebrations began on November 14 with the annual Gala Dinner. Held in Brisbane, the black-tie event was a great success raising over $100,000 for Wildlife Warriors. Wooo-hoo!
By 6am on November 15, Steve Irwin Day was underway! The Zoo car park was a sea of Khaki as guests enjoyed a free sausage sizzle and a Croc Hunter movie marathon. It wasn't long before the gates were open and guests were soaking up the atmosphere of the biggest event in the Australia Zoo calendar.
The day was officially opened by Terri and WWE Superstar ‘EDGE'. The khaki clad crowd roared as the Crocoseum was transformed into a ‘rock-o-seum' with a LIVE performance by Australian Idol star, Jessica Mauboy.
Between shows, guests were flat out like a lizard drinkin' learning how to KHAKI IT with possum-box making workshops, tree planting, a Khaki fashion parade... and the list goes on!
To top off a spectacular day, Terri pledged her allegiance to the country she has called home for almost 20 years. Now Terri is a true-blue Aussie just like Steve!
Check out the Steve Irwin Day and Gala Dinner photo gallery!
Related Zoo News
Our free trip to Australia Zoo!
To celebrate Steve Irwin Day 2009, Australia Zoo went on the search for Wildlife Warriors around the world. We ran an online video competition asking fellow conservationists how they KHAKI IT everyday to make a difference to wildlife and wild places.
There were 40 entries, all worthy of the extraordinary prize- a free trip to Australia Zoo to celebrate Steve Irwin Day! But the Irwin's could not look past the amazing work of Dani and Ashlyn; two 16 year-old girls from South Florida, USA.
The girls arrived at Australia Zoo on the eve of Steve Irwin Day, ready for three days of animal action and V.I.P treatment...this is there experience.
Our free trip to Australia Zoo!
November 1, 2009- we received a call that changed our lives. With tears in our eyes, and smiles across our faces... we tried to take-in the fact that we were actually going to be fulfilling our dreams. That is, visiting the beautiful land of Australia. Never did we think that this was going to happen, we can't thank everyone enough for all they've done.
Part of our prize, was to spend three days as V.I.P. guests at the gorgeous Australia Zoo. Everything about the Zoo was beyond incredible. Never have we seen a place so clean, friendly, and unique.
The amazing staff there, made us feel right at home. We enjoyed learning first-hand about the history of the Zoo, the animals, and everything else we possibly could take in.
On the eve of Steve Irwin Day, we got a whole tour of the zoo, fed the Kangaroos, had an Echidna encounter, and checked out the Wildlife Hospital. What a great way to start our three days at the Australia Zoo!
Celebrating Steve Irwin Day at the Zoo was such an amazing opportunity. It was great seeing everyone sharing the same love we have. When we met Terri, Bindi, and Robert... it happened in a heartbeat. Those three are amazing people, and having Terri congratulate, and thank us for what we do, were words we will never forget.
We spent our Monday feeding the beautiful elephants, being a part of the animal extravaganza, and walking and taking pictures with Maneki the Sumatran Tiger... Those were incredible experiences that we share with everyone.
To complete our trip, we spent an amazing day at the beautiful Fraser Island. That was the perfect, relaxing way to spend our last full day in Australia.
Overall, the whole experience there... was perfect. We would love to thank everyone. Our voters, our Tour Guides, our new "Mates", The Irwin Family, Dreamtime Resorts, V-Australia and everyone else for making our dream come true.
We hope to see you all at the Zoo, again!
Dani and Ashlyn
