A day at THE ZOO

By Bobbi-Jo // 4 May 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: Best Backpacker Job, Things to do, wild life

Let me preface this with: I’m not a huge fan of zoos.

Or animal enclosures in general.

I mean, I like seeing things that are cute and cuddly and whatnot. But I can't help feeling a little bit guilty that they are trapped behind bars for my enjoyment. While I’d much rather deadly, or even not-so-deadly beasts, be kept at a safe distance, I’d just as soon not go to view them because I find keeping them caged up to be a little bit cruel.

I’m not a full on tree hugger (bacon cheeseburgers are like, the best thing to happen to food ever and I can't ever give them up) and don’t expect to see me chaining myself to a tree on behalf of any small furry creatures, but, like I said, zoos aren’t my thing.

Because I’d been hearing about the Australia Zoo since almost the second I landed in Sydney, I knew it was going to be one of the big stops on my itinerary. For the uninitiated, the Australia Zoo is the zoo owned and run by the Irwin family. The late Steve Irwin [yes, the crocodile guy] is responsible for catapulting the place to fame. Now, from what I gather, Australians weren’t big fans of Steve Irwin before he died, but, after his passing, highways were named in his honor and his face is forever immortalized on almost every sign and piece of collateral to be found within the park. Rewriting collective opinions on a recently passed celebrity isn’t a phenomenon unique to Australians (hello, Michael Jackson), but there is something that is a bit unsettling about being met with Steve Irwin’s huge grin every time you turn around or try to read a map. I won’t even go into my thoughts on Bindi, who performed during my visit, since apparently doing that won't win you any friends in this country.

Irwin family aside (Terri Irwin and 6-year old Bob are also common fixtures at the park), the park is pretty much like Disney World with elephants. It is immaculate. Rumor has it that no matter who you are, from custodians to Tinker Bell to Walt himself, if you’re walking through Disney World and see a piece of trash, you have to stop and pick it up. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was also a rule at Australia Zoo as the place looks like it’s never seen a candy bar wrapper in its entire existence. This is great for the animals and patrons, but a big departure from the more laid back and open atmosphere of the animal sanctuaries I’ve been visiting on my way up the coast.

As far as having one of the largest collections of wildlife, Australia Zoo wins hands down. Want to see cassowaries? Right this way. Tortoises bigger than your house? Over here. Tigers that will jump and play in the water with their trainers? Why, there’s a place for those, too. There’s even a giant arena, cringe-worthingly named The Crocoseum, where crocodile feeding and free-flight bird shows take place. These are entertaining shows, to be sure. So if you're in the park make sure that you don't miss them. Another must is the tiger show, trust me, you won't be disappointed.

The main purpose of the park is to advance conservation, a noble cause very near and dear to the Irwin family. Although perceptions of Irwin himself might be a little unclear as you don’t expect conservationists to chase wild crocodiles into the water, catch them, and then stick his baby into their mouths, a conservationist exactly what he was. It’s nice to see that the spirit of his work lives on, even if it is a bit sad to see his kids on display so blatantly. That being said, what the park and the Irwin family has done for the preservation of wildlife in Australia is extraordinary. Profits from the park go straight into the care of the animals onsite and conservation efforts offsite, so you can be assured that while you're milling around the park, you've also done your part to help the cousins of the little (and big) critters that you're gazing at.

After visiting the Zoo, I still can’t say that I love zoos in general. The animals look happy, of course. And they are very obviously well taken care of, but in the backdrop of a country so authentic as Australia, the Australia Zoo seems a little too manufactured to feel genuine. This would be a great place to bring small kids and have them learn about wildlife and conservation efforts, but, unlike the home of Mickey and Minnie, I suspect the magic begins to fade once you've reached a certain age.

What’s the damage?
Australia Zoo is located 15-20 minutes from Mooloolaba on (surprise) Steve Irwin Way. Entry costs $57 for adults, $46 for students and group and family bookings are available.

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Many special thanks to VIP Backpackers for being our gracious hosts throughout this trip! You can also receive amazing discounts the activities mentioned in this post with VIP Membership!