New animal encounters on offer at Australia Zoo
06 July 2009
Travellers visiting the state of Queensland this year can head to Australia Zoo to enjoy some new animal encounters.

The attraction, which was managed by popular 'crocodile hunter' Steve Irwin from 1991 until his death in 2006, is now the only zoo in the world where visitors can have a hands-on encounter with a Komodo dragon.

Australia Zoo is home to three of the large lizards, including Fat Boy, who visitors will be able to get close to.

The zoo is also offering its guests the chance to meet two of its newest residents, the red pandas Yoddah and Pasang.

All money raised from the encounters will be donated to animal conservation efforts to help vulnerable species such as the red panda and the Komodo dragon.

Both of the new experiences have been launched as part of Australia Zoo's series of school holiday activities, which will focus on the wildlife of south-east Asia.

Australia Zoo is located in the state of Queensland near the town of Beerwah. International travellers can reach the attraction by catching flights to Brisbane with carriers such as Thai Airways, Qantas and British Airways.