April 2009
10 April 2009
Terri Irwin and Australia Zoo honour "Wildlife Warriors"
Australia Zoo's VIP Breakfast this morning was the perfect opportunity for Terri Irwin to recognize the conservation efforts of Channel Ten's Rove McManus and Australia Zoo's own International Conservation Manager, Giles Clark, naming them ‘Australia Zoo's Wildlife Warriors' for 2009.
The VIP Breakfast is an annual event, this year attended by over 400 supporters and special guests of Australia Zoo, and an opportunity for Australia Zoo to thank family, friends, suppliers and sponsors for their continued support over the past year.
It is also an opportunity to celebrate the Zoo's achievements of the previous year, and to recognize the achievements of two very deserving award recipients.
The awards recognise organizations and individuals, true heroes and Wildlife Warriors, who have contributed significantly to Steve Irwin's legacy and helping to keep Steve's dreams alive.
The first Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior announced, was television personality and recently appointed Vice President of Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Australia, Rove McManus.
Rove uses his time between television work commitments to visit FFI's projects in many countries, to see first-hand what can happen when communities band together for a common cause. Rove's genuine enthusiasm and passion comes through when he talks about these projects in the media, bringing further awareness and support to the projects.
Terri Irwin said that it was a great privilege to honour someone so passionate about wildlife and conservation for their commitment and support, and also, someone who is such a great friend of Australia Zoo.
"I really admire Rove and his passion for conservation. He is one man who uses his great personality and celebrity to raise awareness for worthy causes, and he is bringing the issues of wildlife and wild places to mainstream Australia", Terri said.
Terri Irwin also recognised Australia Zoo's International Conservation Manager, Giles Clark, with an Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior Award.
Giles is currently coordinating Australia Zoo's involvement in tiger, cheetah, elephant, orangutan and gorilla conservation programs around the world, and works at the coal-face to ensure that conservation projects are coordinated effectively.
Giles also holds the position of Australia Zoo's Tiger Department supervisor, and has been instrumental in developing the Zoo's tiger department, which now has 11 tigers, and coordinating our position in the species management program.
Terri said honouring Giles, one of Australia Zoo's own, was particularly special as she has enjoyed Giles' enthusiasm and dedication to conserving the world's wildlife and their habitat.
"We are so lucky to have Giles here at Australia Zoo. He is someone who lives and breathes saving wildlife and his passion is contagious!" Terri said.
"I would like to thank Giles for his work, and honour him as an Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior," Terri said.
The theme for this year's VIP Breakfast was the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, with guests hearing from Terri about her fight to save the threatened Reserve before being invited to sign the petition to ‘Save Steve's Place'.
Special guest, David Tree, who became a wildlife hero after rescuing Sam the Koala in the Victorian bushfires earlier this year, signed the petition to Save Steve's Place, along with David Claudie - a Kaanju traditional owner and neighbor of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.
The Great South East's Liz Cantor and Creek to Coast's Sally Jenyns also signed the petition.
To find out more about the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, and to sign the petition, check out www.savestevesplace.com.au.
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SMS "Rove"to 199 52 100 or
Call 1902 552 106
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