Crikey! Steve Irwin's legacy in the red as Australia Zoo crippled by debt

LESS than five years after Steve Irwin's tragic death the Crocodile Hunter's legacy appears to be at risk amid reports Australia Zoo has become crippled by debt.

Management at the once-booming Sunshine Coast tourism and conservation icon has confirmed at least 22 staff have been recently let go due to a downturn in tourism, The Courier-Mail reports.

However, in claims to be published in today's edition of New Idea former staff members and Beerwah locals say the cull has far exceeded that figure.

Sources close to the zoo said the recent monetary woes had nothing to do with the global financial crisis or recent floods and more to do with a management team unable to contend with the the loss of its star attraction and earner, Irwin.



Read more: http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/crikey-irwins-legacy-in-the-red-as-australia-zoo-crippled-by-debt/story-e6frfkur-1226009219474#ixzz1EXxyHE8j

What will happen to these animals if the zoo folds?

I'm hoping the zoos and wildlife parks in Australia will take the animals if Australia Zoo folds.
Let's hope the animals welfare is put first.