Today was a day Caleb had longingly been waiting for.

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We were off to visit Australia Zoo. As a kinder kid, Caleb was obsessed with Steve Irwin documentaries and would lose himself in them. He would chat to anyone about Steve’s work and mimic all his actions, pretending to capture lizards and snakes. (Ray even secured him a “snake” made out of left over silicon that he would wave around Steve style).

When Steve died, Caleb didn’t really understand what had happened but he would go to bed and have one sided conversations with Steve, complete with pauses in the dialogue and giggles where he reported Steve was telling him a joke. We would stand outside his bedroom door listening to these one-sided conversations, convinced that there was someone sitting on the end of his bed that we couldn’t see and when we questioned Caleb about he simply said, “I’ve been talking to Steve”. Caleb is such an imaginative kid that we didn’t discourage him, just wished we had recorded it for our own archives. Ever since, Caleb has continued his love of reptiles and he knows quite a bit about them. 

So, to actually go to Australia Zoo, imagine how excited Caleb was! 
We were so impressed with the zoo. The gardens and enclosures were immaculate and we marvelled at the luxury the animals were living in. Facilities for visitors were also good, but we thought the animals certainly came out on top. All of the staff were so friendly and down to earth and we were so surprised at how close you could get to the animals, close enough to touch them. A stark contrast to our experiences with zoos and sanctuaries so far. There is a lot of trust placed in the visitors that they won’t jump low fences or won’t touch things the signs ask you not to. It’s for your own safety as well as the safety of the animals as animals are unpredictable.

Steve’s presence is everywhere with a tribute to him before each daily show in the main arena. We couldn’t help feeling that they were true to their word and really motivated by the love of animals, not money. Of course, funds are required to continue to grow the zoo and educate the public but we felt that the funds have been put to good use and the staff working there certainly share the vision and have a passion to protect and serve the animal kingdom. Steve Urwin has certainly left a legacy that continues to grow. 

We were watching the main show (absolutely stunning display of animal behaviours) and I suddenly realised I didn’t have my phone on me. We searched and searched and then Ray saw it had fallen a couple of meters down the back of the bleacher we were sitting on. Ray went to ask for help to get it and one of the employees had to crawl under the rows of chairs to get it. He returned with the instruction that now I had to report for cleaning at the elephants enclosure. Yuck. Have you seen the size of their poo? 

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We had a marvellous day, got up and close to so many animals and it was less a “zoo” than a real experience. I loved that Caleb was so engaged with the animals and he just loved it all. We went home with a very happy and exhausted kid.