December 2009
4 December 2009
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
4 Zoo Comments
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Janice Noll 16th December 2009 11:35:24 AEST
Congratulations to Ashlyn and Dani! Ashlyn is my great niece and our family is very proud of her efforts with and love for animals. She truly deserved this opportunity. I can't wait to see the photos she and her mom took of their trip to Australia! What a wonderful experience the Australian Zoo and the Irwin family gave to these girls.
Ashlyn Valdes 10th December 2009 15:26:30 AEST
Wow! What an AMAZING experience this was for me. I wish I never had to leave. You are all such incredible people, and I know I'll be seeing you again in the future. Thank you so much for everything, especially for inspiring me. You are all beautiful people- and a pleasure to be around. The Zoo couldn't have been better.
Cathy was very nice to meet! She was so sweet, and full of energy!
Again, thank you everyone for all you did. I will see you again very soon :)
Stay Beautiful,
Ashlyn
Daniella Macias 8th December 2009 05:57:05 AEST
We can't thank you guys enough for all that you truely for all that you have done for us. It was a dream come true in every way possible. Thank you Cath, meeting you was such a pleasure, we enjoyed getting to meet you, and your family. I can't wait to hopefully come back to Australia in the summer to volunteer for about 3 weeks. Keep your fingers crossed that the plans work out. Until then,keep in touch mates :)
With love, Dani
Cath Moran 4th December 2009 23:19:00 AEST
I'm from Louisiana, & these girls r from Flordia just a couple states over. I was at the Zoo also, & meant the girls & there Mom's, everyone was just as excited as I was to be there. I agree with them, this is the cleanest zoo in the world. Everyone is so super nice as well.
Way to go Australia Zoo,