Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors was originally established by Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin. Australia Zoo is not directly involved with the charity but remains their major sponsor and covers all their administrative expenses so that 100% of their fundraising is used directly for wildlife conservation.
The major project of the Wildlife Warriors is the Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah (far side of the zoo's top car park). This is Australia's busiest wildlife hospital and treats hundreds of patients every day at no charge to the public or animal carers. They also have their rescue unit based at the hospital - check out their videos on their website.
Other projects in Australia include helping the Tasmanian Devils with practical assistance - they recently donated a fully equipped Wildlife Ambulance. Tassie Devils are incredibly cute but they are at real risk of becoming extinct in our lifetime! The Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has wiped out 80% of their population - in some areas higher than 90%. We have to do everything we can to stop this terrible disease.
International Projects also have a practical, hands-on approach. The Wildlife Warriors provides support to other conservation organisations. They support:
- Tiger Conservation in Sumatra
- Elephant Conservation in Sumatra and Cambodia
- Orangutan Conservation in Sumatra
- Cheetah Conservation in Africa
- Rhinoceros Conservation in Africa
- Whale Conservation in Australia and USA