2:44p.m. 11th April 2008

| By Jane Gardner

Terri Irwin with the new Croc Choc made by the Incredible Choclate Company. Profits from sales will go towards wildlife conservation. Photo: Jason Dougherty

Crikey, just when you thought it was safe to send the kids out in the jungle, Australia Zoo has launched sweet treats including Croc Chocs featuring Steve Irwin's image.

The zoo has partnered with The Incredible Chocolate Company to produce Croc Chocs and Zoogle Jellies.

The products contain 25 tradable wildlife cards.

Speaking at the launch this morning, Terri Irwin said she did not think the partnership was promoting unhealthy eating habits in children.

“This is very much part of the health plan, (because) being healthy means considering things in moderation and because my kids have a small treat every day, they never freak out and overindulge.

“It is a nice thing to allow a little fun, good, yummy fun.

“I notice with my kids that they are excited about the cards more so than the chocolate and they have their favourites and they get a treat every day.

“Steve was always sure I was going to convince everyone chocolate was the fifth food group.”

She said the products would be sold in Australia and America first with a view to distributing to other countries in the future.

“It’s such an exciting promotion because it combines a kid’s love for treats with a kid’s love for knowledge,” she said.

“To be able to share this around the world is so special and it just continues with Steve’s global conservation message.”

The Incredible Chocolate Company owner Noel Watson said their company wanted to share in the conservation message.

“If we give children the tools to learn, they can make a difference now and in the future,” he said.

“We have worked over the past two years to create two fun, educational products featuring the image of Steve Irwin that contain informative wildlife swap cards with information on conservation.”

They will be widely available throughout Australia mid-April.

Croc Chocs are available in milk chocolate, strawberry cream and caramel chocolate varieties. The Zoogle Jellies varieties include snakes, birds, crocks, sea animals and safari animals.