Wish Granting

The Irwin family and Australia Zoo are dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Our involvement with charity organisations such as the Make-a-Wish and Starlight Foundations dates back to 1994, and has continued to grow and make an impact on the lives of these special children and their entire families.

For Terri, Steve and the Zoo Crew, making significant connections with children and families affected by illness is close to heart, and as important as saving wildlife. We value every child whose life is touched by the people and animals at Australia Zoo, and are committed to the ongoing support of the charities who allow us to connect with the children they represent.

Currently, Australia Zoo works with the following wish-granting and support organisations:

• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Starlight  Foundation
• Children’s Wish Foundation International
• Children’s Leukaemia and Cancer Society
• Xavier Children’s Support Network
• Genesis International Foundation
• Indiana Children’s Wish Fund
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Mater Children's Hospital

Children who wish to come to Australia Zoo with their families experience a wildlife adventure like no other! Our fantastic Guest Services Department conducts VIP tours every month for families whose expectations are always exceeded. Tours include admission for the special child and their family, special one-on-one encounters with our animals such as private elephant feedings, cuddling koalas, wrangling snakes, holding baby alligators and much more, lunch, a photographic journal of the day and an awesome Crocodile Hunter gift pack. While each tour costs over $1000, the unforgettable smiles and everlasting memories are worth so much more!

For those children who are unable to come to Australia Zoo due to hospitalisation or location, we are only too happy to send a little bit of Australia Zoo to them! We post out approximately 50 care packages to seriously ill children every year, sending them t-shirts and clothing, plush toys, action figures, books, DVDs, stationery, baseball caps, stickers, drink bottles, signed photographs and much more!