October 2009
22 October 2009
Have a go at this! Last week Australia Zoo representatives met with Las Vegas government officials to continue previous discussions that began back in 2004 with Steve Irwin.
Whilst it's not guaranteed that Australia Zoo will set up in Las Vegas, there a number of options and locations in the USA that are being looked into.
"It would be the greatest marketing tool for Australian tourism on the face of the earth," Steve Irwin said back in 2004.
"There is a huge fascination around the world with Australia's unique wildlife and culture," he said.
Should the Australia Zoo concept establish itself in the USA, Steve's dream was for it to "showcase Australian lingo, wildlife and culture."
"This would be a huge benefit to Australian tourism. It would be like establishing a window of opportunity for America to experience a taste of Australia with the hope of enticing them to visit our beautiful country," Australia Zoo Director Wes Mannion.
"This will enable Australia Zoo to educate millions of people on the importance of conservation and wildlife protection.
"The benefits from this project will go toward our wildlife projects in Australia and around the world," Wes said.
It was Steve Irwin's dream to bring conservation to the world stage and there is no better place to do this than in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.
"With 35 million people visiting Las Vegas each year, the zoo would be an unparalleled vehicle to promote Australia internationally" Steve Irwin 2004.
28 Zoo Comments
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Sophie 13th October 2010 12:32:03 AEST
That would be AWESOME if there was an Australia Zoo in the USA! I have been a big fan of The Crocodile Hunter for years.
Roo 9th November 2009 03:06:11 AEST
I hope it is..as an Aussie living in America get opportunity for Australia and the Zoo to be represented here.
Jason 30th October 2009 06:38:59 AEST
It would be great for the city of Las Vegas and the state of Nevada to have you here. Las Vegas needs something beside casinos to entertain people. I for one hope that you decide to open an Australia Zoo here.. Ill be the first in line for an opportunity to work at your Zoo
Marilyn J Crowe 28th October 2009 03:00:01 AEST
It would be fantastic if Australia Zoo could set up in the USA. I would be just thrilled. I love animals, and the Australia Zoo family.
We will never forget "Steve Irwin" or his family and what they along with all the Australia Zoo stands for....
helping animals and helping people to understand the importance of them and to bring conservation to the world stage. God bless you all. Marilyn Crowe longgrear@jesusanswers.com
drubie1kanubie@hotmail.com Dru Likens Pape 27th October 2009 03:04:20 AEST
Gives me chills! Bring it on!!!!! Missing and loving Steve and his great work. Carry on, Irwins!!!!
Lori D USA 27th October 2009 00:08:12 AEST
I think it's great to branch into the US as a marketing tool...However. I agree with the one of the previous comments. I don't think I'd take my family to Las Vegas. I would most definately take them to Florida, since they have the Everglades. When I think of the Everglades, I think of The Crocodile Hunter for sure! To me, Las Vegas just doesn't make me think of The Crocodile Hunter or a family vacation for that matter. But good luck and I hope it all works out for Steve's conservation legacy.
Paula Babecki 26th October 2009 14:10:10 AEST
i'm sorry to say that - i or my family will not be attending the las vegas zoo. our drean is to go to australia and experience the wonder of steve irwin at its fullest. when i go to australia it will be a very emotional experience - being in the place where he last was. so i'm sorry if i do not like the las vegas idea. his heart, soul, and spirit in in australia not vegas
sinserely Wildlife Warrior Paula Babecki
Regina 26th October 2009 11:43:48 AEST
Maybe it would be great for people who can"t go to Australia, but me Austalia is Awesome. I not sure people in the USA will understand the greatest of your country. But if Steve thought it was a good idea I can't see him making a mistake when it comes to his and his familyt's hard work to make Australia Zoo the greatest place I have ever seen. I have been in 2007 for Steve Irwin Day and three times after and gong back nov15, 2009. Crocs Rule!!!
Jacksonville, florida
Linda Merryweather 26th October 2009 05:12:41 AEST
Anything that gets Steve's message to more people cannot be bad! Miss him still, glad his shows still crop here over here in England, good luck to all at Australia Zoo, and all who keep his dreams alive!
Diana 26th October 2009 03:07:38 AEST
This would wonderful!! I have been a huge Australia Zoo fan from way back!!! It has always been my dream to someday travel and to Australia and visit the zoo. However life as it is, this is not too likely at this time in my life. But who knows.... LA would be more likely,it just might be doable. so I say GO FOR IT!! My family really misses Steve, but we love to follow his beautiful family. Please keep them comming to us.
Susan Davis, Bandon, Oregon USA 26th October 2009 00:49:52 AEST
I remember mention of this idea back when, and I think it would be great not only for Australia Zoo, but especially now for Las Vegas, which is still suffering from the recession. And best of all for me, Las Vegas is do-able distance wise! Just down the road from Oregon!
Wendy Evanov 25th October 2009 19:52:26 AEST
I'll be right there with Brynna applying for a job. I too believe in Steve's dream and recently left the police service returning to school to earn my license as a vet tech. I plan to specialize in exotic animals and work in a zoo or field research setting. Australia Zoo sets the standard.
Jeff Grubbs 25th October 2009 14:04:41 AEST
I think the sub-tropical enviroment of southwest Florida would be the perfect locale for an Australia Zoo USA. Don't know if you have checked out the Sarasota, or any other if the Tampa Bay area, but it's beautiful and the animals would feel right at home. If there is anything at all I can do to help fulfill Steve's dream, please let me know. Love you guys, Jeff
Mikeylorene 25th October 2009 07:15:19 AEST
About 20 years ago, I dreamed I woke up in a Hotel room in Las Vegas (where I was apparently staying as a guest). When I went downstairs, The lobby had beautiful exotic animals (not native to America) in a natural setting in a center concourse, where people could interact with some of the animals. Smartly dressed attendants tended to each animal, and I knew there was more outside. It was quite beautiful and impressive. After that dream, I knew that one day, Las Vegas would have a place for tourists where animals would be the main attraction... and I believe that I dreamed of Steve's dream and it will happen- not just your normal Zoo!
SJ Wilson 25th October 2009 02:54:50 AEST
When I read this I was very excited to hear the news of your expansion!!!! Australia Zoo is now coming closer to you, WOW , what an incredible feeling!
Its been my dream to get there and still is and even though I live in Canada ,I will be at your grand opening wherever you decide to make your Zoos next home .
All the best in this endeavor and Good on you Mate !!
Tracey Holmes 24th October 2009 22:36:06 AEST
I second that. But I almost have enough saved to still come visit Brisbane, Australia. It is my dream to hold a koala. Florida has millions visit yearly too! If you came near the Tampa area, I would love to work for you. You are always in my thoughts Terri and family.
Anne (Iowa, USA) 24th October 2009 17:32:35 AEST
I hope this happens. Steve Irwin was such an inspiration to animal lovers the world over for conservation of our beautiful planet, together with its fabulous wildlife. Las Vegas would seem like the ideal location for this venture in the USA, with its perfect year-round climate. I may never get to Australia to visit Australia Zoo, but I certainly hope I will be able to visit it in the USA.
Cynthia 24th October 2009 12:46:54 AEST
Steve has been my hero from day one when I first watched The Crocodile Hunter in 1998. I currently work at a Zoo in the US and have been inspired by Steve to go for my dreams. Bringing a taste of Australia Zoo to the US would be terrific. I would be one of the first in line for the opening! I'm really looking forward to it!!
Amy 24th October 2009 11:49:19 AEST
I think it is an aweswome idea to have a zoo here in America. But I would definitely rethink Las Vegas. My family and I would be one of the first to attend the zoo, but Las Vegas is not any place I ever want my kids to go, or honestly for that matter myself. I think a zoo here educating America on wild life conservation and on Australia is a great idea, people get more involved when they can see and touch and not just watch on tv. I pray it works out and another one of Steve's dreams come true. Mother of a future Australia Zoo Keeper (my 12 year olds dream)
Terry Routh 24th October 2009 10:19:46 AEST
Best idea I've heard in a long time. I may not be able to get down under in my lifetime, but this will be a close 2nd!
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