This is the sixth in my series of short reflections on different places in Australia and New Zealand, which I visited in November 2019.
Australia Zoo is one of the jewels of Queensland; I’ve visited it a number of times during different periods of time spent in Australia. Not only is it a shining example of animal conservation, and of education about respect for and protection of wildlife, but it is also a superlative tourist attraction.
I believe that one of its strongest attributes is the personal nature of the organisation, owned by the Irwin family. Some may even view the prominence of the family members as a little like a ‘personality cult’. And yet the emphasis upon Steve Irwin and the work he did, and now upon his window Terri, daughter Bindi, her fiance Chandler, and her photographer brother Robert, only serves to enhance the profile of the zoo and the profoundly important work it does.
When you visit Australia Zoo, not only are you guaranteed a good day out, and the chance to see and admire a magnificent collection of wild animals, but you also learn about how to interact with wild creatures in a more respectful, understanding and compassionate way. The famous Crocoseum performance always includes a teaching element, especially about how to deal with snake encounters.
This is of course more likely to be relevant for Australians than for those living in the UK. And yet, it becomes relevant the more you travel around the world. Interestingly enough, the correct way for us to behave towards snakes is often counter-intuitive. If you meet a snake across your path, stop, turn, and walk very slowly and calmly away. If you get a snakebite, remain still, (assuming you have someone who can call for help). The more you move around and panic, the more easily the poison can move through your system.
If you visit Queensland, do include a visit to Australia Zoo on your itinerary.
SC Skillman
psychological, suspense, paranormal fiction & non-fiction
My next book, Paranormal Warwickshire
will be published by Amberley Publishing on 15th June 2020
and is available for pre-order now from Amazon.
scskillman.com 
It does sound as though you had a fabulous trip. I’m really grateful for the advice about how to deal with snake encounters, too, although I am fully intending never to have to follow it 😉
Same here Fran!