November 2012
16 November 2012
Steve Irwin Day is a celebration of the life and legacy of the original Wildlife Warrior, Steve Irwin. The day aims to celebrate the things Steve loved most - family, wildlife conservation and fun - while teaching others how they can KHAKI IT!
Terri Irwin hoped the celebrations would inspire future generations of Wildlife Warriors. "Steve had such a passion for doing his best to protect the planet, and he lived his life fighting to save wildlife and wild places," Terri said. "It is my hope that people will be inspired by Steve to do their best to make a positive difference."
Special guests John Waters, Melanie Schlanger and Darren Percival added their handprints to the Zoo's very own "Hollywood Walk of Fame", and Darren performed a barnstorming set live in the Crocoseum right before Terri, Bindi and Robert fed the crocs!
Later in the day, Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection, Andrew Powell, joined Terri Irwin in signing two Memoranda of Understanding confirming the state government's commitment to the ongoing protection of wildlife. The Royal Australian Mint also launched a brand new collector's coin on the day, featuring Bindi the saltwater crocodile, the first in a series to be spread over the next twelve years. Wooo-hoo!
The day was filled with hands-on activities promoting backyard conservation, including a possum box making workshop, a Witjuti Grub bushfood gardening exhibit, Little Green Thumbs joined in to educate the young ones on healthy eating and environmental awareness, Fried Mudd provided clay workshops and there were several Conservation Conversations throughout the day in our Billabong Bill Education Centre.
Not only that, kids had their faces painted, went on pony rides, entered our colouring competition, checked out a presentation by our Joey Ambassadors, got free massages and heard from children's musician and storyteller Renata Halpin at our Khaki It Kids Chill Out Zone.
All said and done, it was another jam-packed Steve Irwin Day, but with fantastic weather and a great crowd, we're already looking forward to Steve Irwin Day 2013!
Live Streaming Replay
For those of you who were unable to watch the live streaming of the Crocoseum action during Steve Irwin Day, you can now watch the proceedings via the Steve Irwin Day LIVE! page.
2 Zoo Comments
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Patty, Fredericksburg, VA 10th January 2013 04:27:59 AEST
I absolutely loved Steve. I am so proud of Terri for the good work she's done with the kids, the Zoo and for helping advance the conservation message. I am equally proud of Bindi and Robert for their love of animals and all the good works they are doing to keep their father's legacy alive and well. I know that Steve is watching all 3 of them, as well as the entire staff of Australia Zoo, smiling, and beaming with pride. I'm so excited at the thought of the Wildlife Warriors coming to America.
Gail from London 25th November 2012 17:16:21 AEST
Happy to hear about the State Government's commitment to protecting wildlife. I hope this includes the Crocs. I know they are thriving at the moment (the Crocs that is) and that's how we want it to stay. Fantastic that Bindi (the Croc) was chosen to be on one of the collector's coins. I know she was Steve's favourite Croc (mines Munga) and he would be absolutely over the moon to see one of his beloved Crocs recognised in this way. "I love 'em all" he said, and he did xx