ZOO NEWS

Australia Zoo was named Major Tourist Attraction at the 2012 Queensland Tourism Awards held in Brisbane Friday night. The awards recognise the state's most popular tourist attractions, events and services, and the Home of the Crocodile Hunter claimed the premier title!

Australia Zoo international conservation manager Giles Clark said he was honoured to accept the prestigious award on behalf of Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin and the crew at Australia Zoo.

"Australia Zoo continues to go from strength to strength as we welcome visitors from all over the world each year," Giles said.

"This in turn allows us to continue our conservation work in Australia and around the world."

The win comes off the back of an exciting year at the Zoo with the launch of two new television shows, Bindi's Bootcamp (ABC3) and Steve Irwin's Wildlife Warriors (Network Ten). Both shows were filmed in and around Australia Zoo and the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

It has also been a year since the Zoo opened Africa - a multi-species exhibit offering guests the opportunity to see the only giraffe, zebra and active breeding herd of rhinos in Queensland.

"We're expecting the birth of two baby rhino early next year, which is exciting," added Giles.

Australia Zoo remains active in its conservation efforts in Australia and abroad.

"Steve wanted the world to know about wildlife conservation. As we carry out his mission, our aim is to not only educate people but to also tempt domestic and international travellers to holiday in Queensland."

This is the sixth time that Australia Zoo has taken home the prestigious award, following its induction into the Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2009 after winning the accolade three years in a row.