ZOO NEWS

Bindi Irwin was joined by a host of stars, including surprise guest Russell Crowe, co-star Toby Wallace and Nim's Island author Wendy Orr at the national premiere of Return to Nim's Island last night at Australia Zoo's world-famous Crocoseum. Wooo-hoo!

In her first cinema-release feature film Bindi reprises the role of Nim, a young girl battling to save her beloved island home and the wildlife she shares it with.

"Nim seems to be like the ultimate wildlife warrior and she's just incredible. Wendy has created such a beautiful, enthusiastic, amazing person in Nim and I was so honoured to be able to play the role," Bindi said. "To be able to share this movie with so many others who are passionate wildlife warriors is a real blessing, and I hope when people watch they accidentally learn something along the way, about wildlife, conservation, and the true meaning of family."

The much-anticipated sequel to Nim's Island follows the story of Nim and Edmund, a young boy who has run away from home, in their quest to save the island and rescue Nim's beloved sea lion Selkie. Toby Wallace, who plays Edmund, returned to Australia Zoo for the premiere having visited during the movie's production, a time throughout which he and Bindi worked closely together.

"I admit it was a bit intimidating at first, knowing that I was going to do a role next to Bindi Irwin, but it was fantastic in the end," Toby said. "Bindi taught me so much, especially with working with the animals, so I was highly skilled in that area!"

The premiere was the first-time visit to Australia Zoo for author Wendy Orr, who was thrilled with the result.

"It's gorgeous; the characters and tone and theme that they brought to the movie are so true to what I wanted with my Nim," Wendy said. "And I have to say the locations were unbelievable and that helps with the experience, because that's how I always saw Nim's location; the most beautiful island in the world."

Return to Nim's Island will be released in cinemas nation-wide these Easter school holidays.

The Nim Stories Book by Wendy Orr

Check out this awesome paperback edition of the two exciting adventure stories that inspired the motion pictures - Nim's Island and Return to Nim's Island.

Available in the Australia Zoo Online Shop!