Irwin managers in damage control
Published 9:03a.m. 27th February 2008
Updated 2:53p.m. 28th February 2008
Bob Irwin has reportedly been banned from the grounds of Australia Zoo due to a family falling out.
Terri Irwin’s managers have gone into damage control, reportedly lashing out at Australian women’s magazines over what they claim are “made-up stories” about the late Crocodile Hunter’s family.
While refusing to comment directly on a New Idea article about a rumoured rift between Terri and her father-in-law, Bob Irwin, Terri’s manager, John Stainton, and Australia Zoo director Wes Mannion are quoted by News Ltd as saying people should not believe everything they read in such magazines
Mr Stainton reportedly described the claims as “bull****”.
Although Terri Irwin has done a number of interviews about her private and family life with newspapers, magazines and TV networks , Mr Stainton told News Ltd that magazines made things up “and say sources close to the family and friends said it”.
“I don't know how anyone could take them seriously,” he is quoted as saying. “I mean one week Terri's devastated by something and the next week she has an inner glow.
"They just like to keep it going. Every couple of issues there's something in about them - it's just part of their philosophy. You can't hand any credibility to New Idea and I think it's sad all that's been going on.”
Mr Manion reportedly said: “This sort of stuff comes through so repeatedly and we deal with some things and some things we don't bother with.
"I mean that one about John and Terri (having an affair). I rolled around laughing for three or four days and I've been paying him out every day since."
However, the Sunshine Coast Daily and thedaily.com.au have also been contacted by a number of people reporting rumours of a rift between Terri and Bob, with several former staff members claiming that Bob Irwin was unhappy with the surge in activities seemingly unrelated to conservation.
“Bob is angry that the zoo is being turned into a circus and the focus on animal conservation and education is being lost,” one source claimed.
“Staff were horrified about the way Bob was being treated after he had put his heart and soul into the place.”
The Daily has tried to get comment from the zoo and Terri’s managers regarding the claims, but without success.
The zoo’s communication manager told the Daily more than a week ago that she would provide a statement in response to the rumours, after the general manager, Steve’s brother-in-law Frank Muscillo, had spoken to Bob.
No statement was forthcoming
Support for Terri's approach
A close ally of the Irwin family has defended the direction of Australia Zoo in the wake of Steve Irwin's death and expressed disbelief at reports Bob Irwin has been banned from the zoo.
Caloundra councillor Anna Grosskreutz said rumours that Steve's dad had been ousted from the zoo had been circulating for weeks in the Beerwah community but she found them out of character with the Terri Irwin she knew.
"The talk matches your article today,'' Ms Grosskreutz said.
"It would be a shame if there was a fallout because Bob is the zoo. This has been his home. It was where Steve and Wes Mannion grew up as kids ... but I just don't know.''
Ms Grosskreutz told thedaily.com.au that while the zoo had gone in a "whole new direction" since Bob Irwin started it in the 1970s, she believed Terri was taking it in the direction Steve would have wanted it to go.
She said while years ago it was a big event when camels came to the zoo, "now you've got rock stars, pop stars" and Hollywood celebrities being regular visitors.
"It's become an entertainment venue. It provides an entertainment venue we don't have.''
Ms Grosskreutz said the zoo had also moved away from just being an Australia reptile park to a world-class zoo with animals from around the globe, as Steve wanted it to be.
"When I last spoke to Steve at length (before he died), they wanted to compete at that level,'' she said.
Ms Grosskreutz said while some had been critical of Terri for making the operation too commercial and "like a circus", she believed she had done what she needed to do to promote the zoo by travelling and giving interviews around the world.
"There was always a worry that after Steve passed away the zoo could fall on its face,'' she said.
"It is a big enterprise to run. It's a hungry animal to feed,'' she said of the cost of running the zoo and keeping hundreds of staff in a job.
"I know Terri well enough to know she has got her feet firmly on the ground. She is a good mother, a good community person and has the zoo's best interest at heart.''
She said she remained committed, as a councillor, to ensuring there were no unnecessary planning hurdles thrown in the way of the zoo's expansion, including a 200-hectare safari park.
Ms Grosskreutz said it was always Steve's vision that there would be an area where the people "were behind cages" and the animals could roam free.
The zoo has remained tight-lipped about the allegations of a falling out between Bob and Terri Irwin, despite promising to release a statement about the issue 10 days ago.
The communications director did not respond to the Daily’s phone message or email today.
Family friend John Stainton said he knew nothing about the matter and it had nothing to do with him.
“I just feel very sorry for Bob that he’s been put through the mill with these vicious rumours,” Mr Stainton said.
He added that there was no prospect of the Daily securing an interview with Terri Irwin.
Bob Irwin finds a new home near Kingaroy
Wildlife pioneer Bob Irwin has bought a property at Wattle Camp near Kingaroy in the wake of rumours he is no longer welcome at the zoo he founded with his late wife nearly 40 years ago.
Australia Zoo was still refusing to comment last night on reports that Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s father had been banned from the Beerwah grounds due to a family falling out.
A national magazine has reported that rumours of a rift between Bob and Terri Irwin surfaced several weeks ago.
The article claimed the feud erupted over the direction of the zoo and its growing focus on commercialisation and Bindi’s career.
A volunteer at the zoo was quoted as saying Bob was unhappy with the way Australia Zoo was being run.
“There are people at the zoo who think that Steve’s commitment to animal research and conservation isn’t being maintained,” she said.
Several former staff members have told the Daily that Bob Irwin was unhappy with the surge in activities seemingly unrelated to conservation, including a guest appearance by US psychic John Edward at the zoo last year.
“Bob is angry that the zoo is being turned into a circus and the focus on animal conservation and education is being lost,” one source claimed.
“Staff were horrified about the way Bob was being treated after he had put his heart and soul into the place.”
The zoo’s communication manager told the Daily more than a week ago that she would provide a statement in response to the rumours, after the general manager, Steve’s brother-in-law Frank Muscillo, had spoken to Bob.
No statement has been forthcoming.
A private man whose interests, according to zoo sources, lie solely with the welfare of native wildlife, Bob Irwin has been out of contact since stories began circulating about the fractured relationship with his daughter-in-law.
Bob was reported to be facing a battle to remain in the home at Blackbutt in which he and his partner Judy have been living.
When the Daily visited the town last week, there was no sign of Mr Irwin at the property, and staff at the post office said they had not seen him or Judy for some time.
The Daily has since learned that Mr Irwin settled on Thursday on the purchase of a 242-acre property at Wattle Camp, described by a local as wildlife country.
The source said there was no home on the property and it was likely to be some time before Bob could live on the land, despite suggestions that he planned to move there in June.
Irwin family spokesman John Stainton has said he knows nothing about the rumoured split or suggestions that Bob would have to leave his Blackbutt home.
Since Steve Irwin’s sudden death in September 2006, Bindi has launched a clothing range, Bindi wear, and recently, her own action figure.
Late last year Terri released My Steve, a book detailing her life with the late crocodile hunter.
Related stories
Steve was one of a kind, says proud dad
Recent Comments
I hope its not true but if it is its not acceptable under any kind of circumstance..fight or no fight.
Bob Irwin IS AUSTRALIA ZOO.. ALWAYS will be.. my heart goes out to you Bob.. In my opinion Bob should always have a say how its run.. its his whole life.. there would be no zoo without Bob Irwin.
Both children, Bindi and Bob had their own clothing line long before the death of their father. Going International with Bindi’s and Bob’s clothes was in the works before Steve’s death as well as Bindi’s music and dancing career.
Steve had been including Bindi more and more in the film series aspect of the empire so that she could spread good conservation and environmental practices to the younger audiences.
Steve Irwin had made it clear on numerous occasions he was preparing his children for the day he was going to turn the reins of his empire the Australian Zoo including the film series.
Steve was actively involved with Bindi’s first musical DVD as well as the film series, Bindi the Jungle Girl.
In fact Steve was the one who held auditions and choose the current four Crocmen, who are Bindi’s backup singers and dancers. Prior to Steve’s death he had planned on presenting Bindi’s talents internationally himself at the Nick Awards and at G’Day USA.
As far as your sources from the Australian Zoo, until there is an interview published that comes straight from either, Bob Irwin, Terri Irwin, Wes Mannion or Frank Muscillo, its all rubbish in my book.
Australia Zoo is a business and as such, I am sure there is always a disgruntle employee or two, who would love more than any thing to fill the media with half truths and innuendos.
Besides that, what married couple hasn’t had a rift or two with their in-laws, this is so laughable that the news media plays this up as it has.
Even more so, because of the implications that are being made that Terri has done all these things with her children only since the death of her husband.
Doesn’t any one do research any more before blatantly publishing, there are numerous films or interviews out there with Steve Irwin telling the world his plans for both his children and his empire.
So please stop laying all this on Terri Irwin’s doorstep, she is only honouring the wishes and the plans that her late husband left behind for her to do so.
A few years before Steve's death it was said that he earned about $25M in that year (most of it from the USA) and that he had re-invested nearly all that money in the Zoo and in Wildlife Warriors projects.
How much money is the business making today (in the USA) and where is it all going? This may provide some answers to what the split with old Bob is about.
Bob snr not only has lost his wife he has lost his beloved son and now the Zoo!!!
Terry should be ashamed of herself.
Greed has taken over the Zoo!
What about the animals?
What about the environment?
It all seem to be forgotten!
Hang your head in shame Australia Zoo
Steve Irwin was a superb Showman and his untimely death was a devastating blow to his family. In case you have forgotten, that was only 20 months ago. This so-called rift between Bob and Terri Irwin is a PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER. The media and public must learn to separate the family from the buisness. Give them space and time to sort this private matter out, if in fact anything needs sorting out.
Some aspects of how the Zoo operates may change. This is normal business practice. The success or otherwise of Australia Zoo will be measured by the people willing to pay the entrance fee. I was a paying visitor to the zoo just before Steve's death and had a great time. I paid to eat there and shed loads of bucks in the zoo shop, purchasing merchandise for myself and gifts for my family and friends. I will pay again when I am next over. That is how I will show my support. I hope all of you can say the same.
The zoo is the Irwin family's legacy and to have family feuds fouling the environment is disgraceful.
If Steve had never been famous, the zoo would still be there, albeit smaller and less flashy, but there would probably be a lot less drama.
Money just changes it all.
These people shaped Steve as much as he was a giant in his own right that many depended on and got inspiration from. And if anyone or anything ever balances out ,this lot will pull it off. A lot of depression and shock to come out from and the pieces will fit together again. Perhaps in a different order. It's been a big ride. Just needs a deep breath and the heart back in it. They've all got a piece of Steve, just have to put it together on common ground till they get through. It looks to me like everyones doing their best. Big gap and boots to fill.
The "travelling Bindi show" has taken the attention away from the animals and the environment and now poor Bindi is talking like one of those kids on the American sitcoms.
Terri Irwin should remember that it was STEVE'S enthusiasm and down-to-earth personality that got people interested in the zoo and the environment. Terri's celebrity simply came along with the marriage vows.
Shame on you Sunshine Coast Daily for running along with the gossipy rumours, journalism at it's best!
How about getting the facts straight before flapping mouths off?
And Terri is right in saying 'Tall Poppy Syndrome IS ALIVE & KICKING"
Too right it is.....look at you all, makes me feel ashamed of being in the human race at times! Slow down everyone.....
- We'd be happy to hear from the Zoo for the 'facts'. The fact is that we have been contacted by numerous people - both inside and outside of the Zoo to report Bob Irwin has been banned and they are furious about the way he has allegedly been treated. We have been chasing the Zoo for comment for the past couple of weeks - Editor
Dear Sunshine Coast Daily, when will you understand that no-one has an obligation to talk to you? When will you understand the difference between the public's right to know what is in the public's interests, and what is not in the public's interests......but, rather, suits your commercial interest, which you do regard as paramount?
- Bob, I would have thought given the Zoo spends a great deal of its time raising funds from the public in the name of conservation that it would be in the public interest when questions are being raised (from Zoo staff themselves) about the direction of the zoo. If you don't see it that way - the answer is simple - don't read those stories. No-one is forcing you to - but given the traffic on the Irwin story and the number of comments, it is clearly a matter of public interest. - Editor
Even if there is no truth to the rumours, I really think the Zoo should sit up and take notice of the other underlying gossip here. Many people feel that the Zoo has become far too commercialized and has lost touch with its roots. It no longer seems down to earth or realistic to many people any more. Local conservation and education seems to have been overtaken by a plethora of international conservation efforts, to the point that much of the original focus has been lost. Would the young child in the crowd who has a question about an animal ever get heard?
The Locals, State, Country, World stood with Terri in heart over the last 18 months... even those of us who thought Steve's crikey was annoying.
What's happened though, is that people are questioning the direction of the Zoo now, comparing it what they believe Steve was doing for wildlife & conservation... and they're protective of Bob Irwin Snr because he means so much to the community for what He has done for the wildlife and being the founder of the zoo.
If Terri is implying she's been criticised because she's a supposed Tall Poppy as LindyC is implying, it would do her good to have a look from what appears to be the perspective from quite a few followers.
It's like the focus has gone off the wildlife... but it could be that she's trying to live up to Steve's showman persona, whilst still no doubt working through her grief. Christ what a loss for them all.
I still think Bindi's a better role model than Britney Spears though & still believe no matter whats happening at the zoo, Terri's a great mother with a whole lot on her shoulders.
I hope for her sake (reputation wise) and hope for the zoo, that there is no rift between her & Bob... - and if there is, that it's just a family spat that's fixable.
No one will ever forget Steve...but neither will they forget Bob,- there will always be a quiet admiration for the man and communities of support.
Its sad to see though, that it looks like Terri's over commercialising herself & Bindi.
The zoo may be too commercial for some, but it is a business and a business needs to be financially supported. However it's the people who built that business from scratch with their knowledge and passion that deserve respect - something management are certainly not showing. Terri's take? Who knows. Perhaps she needs to remember how she got where she is and thank the father of her successes.
Maybe all of those in positions of power need to think about what Steve's priorities always were and just how much they're really supporting the wildlife he loved so much. THAT is what it's all about - CONSERVATION THROUGH exciting education.
CONSERVATION was THE most important thing in Steve's eyes as those who knew him are well aware.
They all need to work together to further Steve's dream.
Today "Mr Stainton reportedly described the claims as “bull****”."
Guess he learnt a lot over night....
Just what the hell does "Crossing Over" have to do with a zoo?
Terri is Steve's "mother nature" and i don't think any person or child in the crowd is disappointed at their representation or how it's been or done for animals.
Sitting back and doing nothing just keeps leading to bigger problems so i've got a lot of gear i'll take up to the zoo's boot sale and put my lot in.
The truth always comes out in the wash. Too many here grasping at straws and can't see the bigger picture, i got no fear, wildlife warrior to the bone.
Why not bring a witch doctor for publicity?
Or for the guys get the gals from Hooters to parade around.
I disagree. You pretend traffic here is public interest, but in reality you convert that into your own financial interest, by promoting the story.
Please explain to me why a rift ( if it exists at all) between Terri, and Bob is part of public interest?
- Because Bob it is over the total direction of the Zoo - our biggest tourist attraction - and a facility which has used its public support to raise funds in the name of animal conservation. If there are people in the Zoo and who have left the Zoo saying the Zoo is losing its conservation focus in favour of commercialism - the subject of the 'rift' - then that is surely in the public interest. But again Bob - you don't have to keep reading the stories - or commenting on them. There are plenty of other items on our pages every day which I might point out are provided for you for free - so your whining about our financial interest is a little annoying - Editor
if you are a celebrity, then there is no such thing as a private matter... that's life! deal with it! I never hear them whingeing about the millions they earn each year as a direct result (and yes it is a direct result) of the media attention...
As to Terri...
You have lost the plot lady...
Bindi has an action figure and she is how old ?
And then for people to say that this is ok cos its in the name of "conservation"?
How about conserving Bindi for when shes actually old enough to make her own decisions (I'm hearing terri saying "Oh I never did any of this.. Bindi makes her own decisions) TIME TO START PARENTING TERRI.. she needs someone to make her decisions for her... it's what parenting is!!
And for those who say Steve was doing this to Bindi before he died ? I dont give a hoot... if (and i repeat IF! which i highly doubt) this was the case, then Steve was wrong in doing that...
Just because he's dead doesnt mean he never made mistakes as a parent... every parent does...
this too is life...
Time for Terri to head back to the US where she seemingly now belongs... cos the things she is doing certainly are not Australian...
and for brewer from bribie:
If Eminem (hes as controversial as JE) wanted to save the whales, would it be ok for him to hold a concert there ?
All profits to the zoo ofcourse...
Would Terri allow this ?
To me, the only reason JE was there was because Terri was (and still is) hoping for a "mesages" from Steve...
cling on...
cling on..
cling on..
It's what people like JE pray on...
False hope !!
Religion and animal conservation are nothing alike and have absoloutly nothing to do with each other...
one is certain, the other is not...
and to Bob...
don't give up champ...
The zoo needs you now more then ever...
This isnt about the money (despite what Terri thinks), it's about the animals...
It's that simple...
I don't think anyone involved with that family or the zoo could have anticipated the attention that losing Steve would bring to them. It's sort of perpetuated itself in a way.
I mean I have always been a huge fan, love them all so much. And even just before Steve passed, he and the zoo were sort of just there, cruising along. If you know what I mean. He was huge and the zoo was gaining popularity and all that. But that was just it. There wasn't a whole lot of fuss made over him.
Conversely, when he passed, there was this huge outpouring, as everyone knows, of grief over him. And many were just devastated, myself included.
So because of that the Irwins said okay - we've got an audience. These people are here for us. They want to help our cause. Let's make the cause available to them. So yeah, Terri, Bindi, Wes - they've been in the public. They've been making their rounds. And I personally don't think that's too far off for what they've always done.
It's been said (by Terri) that Steve was only too happy to get Bindi started with her own career. And that's validated by the fact that he starred with her in her shows.
The point I'm trying to make is as a result - a direct result - of Steve's passing, the entire path they were on was changed. But I only think it's changed in pace.
Seems to me that all of Steve's wishes are being carried out. There is now just the ability for them to be carried out so much faster. They had something like a 10 year plan. Those left behind are getting things done so much faster.
Thanks to the media, the fans, and obviously the friends and family for that. As a result of Steve's passing, people felt the need to give money to their cause.
They were receiving money hand over fist. THAT'S what's allowed them to become so "commercialised." They were headed in this direction all along - with Steve here. It's just when he died, all those donations made things happen faster.
I don't think the zoo or Bindi are anymore commercialised that they should be. Anytime I read about them or hear about them, my mind immediately goes to putting wildlife conservation front of mind.
Conservation - isn't that what's important anyway?
They do more harm than good. I am forever amazed at how many people believe what they read and repeat stories they read as being the truth. And then try to shape their own lives accordingly - knowingly or subconsciously.
Commercialisation- I used to present shows at the zoo - educational shows by an experienced zookeeper, yet still entertaining shows. That was until about 4 years ago.
Now all you see are the same 2 or 3 people doing all the shows to a hollywood script. It's not what people come to see.
Come on guys, they want to hear about the animals - ie. how fascinating they are. And they want to hear it from keepers or education officers, NOT from performance artists with no idea! And what happened to question time? Let people learn from their own curiosity!!
As for the treatment of staff - well, the wool can only be pulled over the newbies eyes for so long.
Why do you think the zoo has such a high turnover of staff? Sure they're growing all the time but tell me how many people have been there more than 5 years? Certainly none of the head keepers for any section. Most would be lucky to have been there for 2!
No other zoo in Australia has such inexperienced people responsible for so much. It's not their fault though, they do their best.
It's time the zoo looked after long term employees who are dedicated (so much so that they work for very low pay and do way too much unpaid overtime!).
Why do shop and retail staff get paid more than keepers, and with all their bonuses, yet if keepers have a day off they are criticised and it's never forgotten?
Wake up management, and smell the roses.
Bob is upset because his senior staff, those who have been with him through the development of the zoo, are being treated badly by the people in power.
How about looking after the keepers and VOLUNTEERS? Without them there is no zoo, because there are NO ANIMALS.
So it's all up to zoo management (no, I won't name names yet) to look after the staff as much as they look after their own images.
Why do you think they're not releasing a statement? Might hurt their precious egos to see that they are not being fair.
Anytime I read about them now my mind goes to Britney, Paris, Anna Nicole etc, and how Hollywood they're all getting - so totally fake. They certainly don't represent animals anymore. I can't believe Steve would have liked that Hollywood psychic trying to contact him. He celebrated life not death.
The zoo has become too American and I really hope Bindi doesn't become "Britney".
BTW, why doesn't Bindi talk with an Australian accent anymore?
Am I right?
Another consideration is that the family run zoo is expanding and growing and a lot of the old staff may not be coping or able to where professional management and systems are needed or going to be.
Having to streamline for the growth and expansion that has happened with Steve passing at a critical time has no doubt caused major headaches from growing pains.
The zoo just keeps getting bigger gate takings and people to have to cater to. And it can be quite seasonal and have slow days as you know which can throw routine out the window.
Besides your complaints ,what they are accomplishing is incredible and a big credit to staff. You only have to visit to know that.
I don't like how you and other staff take advantage to cash in on a strained and stressed family using their private family grief and grievance matters to put the boot in and manipulate for your case.
That is a very vicious and opportunistic maneuver for mature people to throw their case on top of. I know personally staff have used Bob's situation to do this and you seem vindictively very well informed.
I don't think anyone who was professional enough to keep on with what is coming and will be needed in the future would have chosen this course instead of putting it professionally ,even on paper to show the top management where they are hurting themselves.
Especially anyone who had concerns for Bob and or the family.Believe me, you do not want to lose this family on the coast.
I put forward matters on paper (about 6 or 8 foolscap pages) from just visiting and noticing some things on Khaki day that were summed and acted on quickly and appreciated by the family for everyones betterment.
I know why Bob was upset and it isn't because of what you recorded above or try to manipulate publicly, using the press using your fake concern for the man's well being.
Good on you for speaking up and i hope the zoo management hears you but I'm positive there was another way without half killing Bob from stress to do it.
You reckon Steve would turn in his grave over supposed arguments with his dad?
Imagine how he would feel that the love of his life is being slammed by our only public print media and how this would also affect his beloved children?
For goodness sakes Sunshine Coast Daily - wake up and start celebrating his family's success and all the wonderful things Terri has brought to this enterprise and our coast.
Many issues would be addressed if they hired professional business managers as advisors or listened to their HR personel, but they don't.
They also rarely take in or act upon criticism from the general public. So I could write many a letter but they would fall on deaf ears, as they have done in the past. The only thing they seem to react to is publicity.
I honestly thought conditions would improve as the zoo expanded, but they haven't and it saddens me immensely because I know what a wonderful place the zoo is for the animals and guests.
Many of the animals enjoy the most luxurious homes of any zoo on the planet, and as you say it is all a huge credit to all of the staff.
Perhaps this rift is a turning point - we can only hope.
PS A forum is a place to express your personal thoughts and opinions and that is what I have done.
No I have not cashed in one single cent and I don't want to. All I want is for people to be treated fairly - old fashioned values so important for a successful business. Vindictiveness has never been my agenda.
- I think the suggestion that anyone is 'cashing in' on this story is repugnant. If you knew how much Daily editorial management has agonised over how to cover this story you would have a far better understanding of where we are coming from. We are not out to bring down the Zoo. We have supported the Zoo for years. This is about public accountability, nothing more, nothing less. If you are continually telling the public that 'all the money is being poured back into the Zoo and conservation', then surely there is an obligation to answer some basic questions on those issues which have not come from the Daily at all - but Zoo staff and former staff, who have left because they believe the Zoo has lost its focus. - Editor
Lots to contend with there. Was it Terri who said,' 'all the money is being poured back into the Zoo and conservation,' or Steve?
Well, I for one would actually believe that all this comes from 'zoo staff and former staff' if they had the guts to put their committment where their mouth is!
For an ex staff member of 4 years past that was involved in yard duties, you certainly have your tentacles and fixation into the zoo's management system and personal lives but not full vision.
Do you think things such as this has ever helped anything? Or helped top management be able to make well informed and stable decision while they are being hit and attacked from all sides and directions relentlessly for years by , not just your circle, and don't know where it is coming from or what's right and what's wrong or whats up or down.
They haven't known what way to move safely for years in decisions with this sort of undermining bombarding them permanently let alone with Steve gone. You are just one example that stuffs it up for everyone.
They can't breathe to move to manage or see clearly, defending themselves relentlessly and getting manipulated and undermined from a hundred directions. While your not doing it plenty of other ill and overbearing types are or filling in on the shiftwork and poisoning the workplace destructively for everyone while you load and look for more bullets. Get a life. I'm sure the sinister truth will come out in the wash amongst all the spite.
Editor, you've added your statement to Animania's addressed to me and i can't see where i said that Animania or your selves where cashing in on the situation. I certainly understand your position.
What made that zoo so huge and a giant expense was the famous wonderful celebrity Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin!
He is no longer with us, but his huge, massive empire is still there for Terri to try and keep running without the main attraction.
If she wished to keep that zoo going & Steve's dream alive, she will have to insure that tourist will still want to come. No matter how impressive a zoo it is, that along will not draw the tourist there.
It cost a fortune to come to Australia from other countries. We have zoos in our own countries that we can see. But we don't have any with celebrity status.
So that's why we come to Australia zoo on vacations. We save up all year long in hopes we can afford the trip. If Terri didn't try and promote the zoo & her family, people would soon lose interest. If that happened that would hurt the zoo.
And I don't believe for a second that Terri would be so cruel that she would ban Bob from the zoo. I think that is just vicious lies.
Maybe Bob wanted to move, anyone ever think about that? In this article it says he has a new lady.
Maybe the place he was living made him sad. If you read Terri's book you would know that Lynn Irwin was killed during the process of moving there.
Some of the replies here reminds me of something Steve once said "Crocodiles are easy; they try to kill and eat you. People are harder; sometimes they pretend to be your friend first. "
He intends to establish a wildlife conservation area on his new property, which he feels will be closer to Steve's original aims of conserving native fauna.
Was it not Terri who had the original idea to take Steve's tapes and plug them to National Geographic?
Whilst Steve, was the action man, I believe Terri was the brains (financial) that got it all rolling.
I love Bob Irwin and respect his dedication and passion to wildlife - but I don't know if he could have grown and developed the business side of the zoo like Terri has.
Her business brain from her pre Steve life in USA was her practise run and I believe Steve would still be rolling around in the outback and a little known if it wasnt for Terri and her vision of landing a tv contact for "Crocodile Hunter'.
So perhaps we should all butt out!
Because there's a lot to hide!!!
I am sorry it has come to this. I do believe if it is not made right the Legacy will be destroyed. I know the Zoo has to make money to survive BUT REALLY!!!
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