Australia Zoo: Bob Irwin appears at rival Wildlife HQ

WILDLIFE legend Bob Irwin is publicly backing rival zoos after breaking ties with Australia Zoo.

Bob Irwin is publicly backing rival zoos after breaking ties with Australia Zoo, which he founded on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: File

WILDLIFE legend Bob Irwin is publicly backing rival zoos after breaking ties with the zoo he founded on the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Irwin has not been involved with Australia Zoo since parting ways with management and the Irwin family after son Steve’s death.

However, looking fit and happy, the animal conservationist has been making public appearances at Wildlife HQ.

The smaller zoo based at the Big Pineapple near Nambour is a direct competitor to the sprawling Australia Zoo run by his daughter-in-law Terri Irwin, from whom he is estranged.

Mr Irwin has also been assisting curators and staff at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane where he was the key note speaker at the Zoo and Aquarium Association Conference.

The wildlife veteran warmed the hearts of visitors to Wildlife HQ this month when he hosted a reptile show, triggering nostalgia as he held a baby croc in his bare hands.

“The locals love chatting to him because he’s so down to earth, so humble and he’s happy to be here,” said Wildlife HQ CEO Jarrod Schenk.

“We love having him here. The first time he came here he got quite emotional because our zoo is family friendly and small, a bit like the zoo he founded back in the day.

“It reminded him of the zoo he had created.”

Bob Irwin performs a reptile show at Wildlife HQ on the Sunshine Coast in April. Picture: Supplied

Mr Schenk said he looked forward to working more with the animal conservationist.

“He’s very supportive and gives advice and help; it’s really a nice thing to do.”

Terri Irwin and celebrity children Bindi and Robert have publicly revealed they are not in contact with the children’s grandfather, with Bindi recently saying he had distanced himself from the family.

Terri has also claimed her father-in-law was not involved because it was his way of handling grief after the sudden death of his son, who was stabbed by a stingray barb through the chest in 2006.

Originally published as Australia Zoo: Bob Irwin appears at rival Wildlife HQ