The Steve Irwin Scam

**Finn** · 3rd April 2008, 08:51

I said in a post earlier this year that the Irwins are more Capitalists than Conservationists. Being a staunch capitalist myself, I don't have a problem with this, nor do I have a problem with schemes to reduce tax (which is theft on a grand scale anyway). What does rip my undies is when people disguise themselves as conservationists just to make a buck.

Now I've been to the Australian Zoo and it's nothing spectacular. However, the amount of people there each paying $60 to get in is. There are hardly any animals there but the lecture (show) in the massive arena made me want to jump into a lions cage to end my life... but sadly, no lions could be found. For variety, the Auckland Zoo is actually better or even Maraetai Beach on a Sunday afternoon if you want to save some money.

The Steve Irwin empire is about money, not conservation. Now don't get me wrong, I like the guy. Any person with that amount of energy and drive gets my vote. Just quit the conservation crap please.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/...ectid=10501805

**ManDownUnder** · 3rd April 2008, 08:59

If you were in the Irwin's shoes wouldn't you be making money while the legend had power? It'll fade soon enough.

**Finn** · 3rd April 2008, 09:01

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

If you were in the Irwin's shoes wouldn't you be making money while the legend had power? It'll fade soon enough.

Yeah, but I'd pay someone else to wrestle the Crocs.

I don't mind the Australian Zoo making money, but they're a sell out on conservation.

**Jimmy B** · 3rd April 2008, 09:06

Ive been 2 x and agree Finn that its a bit of a touch. Good Aussie experience for the kids but not so great for Adults only. The Irwins seem to be Queensland royalty and held in high esteem by the locals, even moreso since the passing of Steve. My rating for Adults and Kids 5/10. Adults only 2/10

**Mully** · 3rd April 2008, 09:07

"Documents reveal that Australia Zoo's assets were valued at A$11 million in 2005 and the zoo operation made a A$9 million profit that financial year."

Crikey, that's a pretty good return on assets. I'd go as far to say that's a liddle beudy. Wonder what their turnover was on $60 a throw.....

**kevfromcoro** · 3rd April 2008, 10:30

Just a bit of topic..but talking about scams....there was a post in here a while ago about minejobs in Australia.....done a search for it but cant find it.
well i sent in an application.....came back trying to sell me some books for $250...a friend of mine applied for a job in Perth..different co...wanted $250 to send a CV...
Sort of sounds similar.....also both replies came back...
This an automated reply..
who is taking who here....
there seems to be a lot of work in OZ......
but there always seems to be somone trying to make a quick buck

**Quasievil** · 3rd April 2008, 10:33

Originally Posted by Finn

I like the guy.

Hope your sitting down mate and Im really sorry to tell you he died bro..............take it easy

**nodrog:Me** · 3rd April 2008, 10:38

Originally Posted by Quasievil

Hope your sitting down mate and Im really sorry to tell you he died bro..............take it easy

CRIKEY!!!

_____________

**Big Dave** · 3rd April 2008, 12:16

I didn't like the guy - but Do you know what they have been doing with the money?

While he was alive It went into buying vast tracts of land expressly to remain wilderness.

I'm happier with that than propping up social security eg.

**jrandom** · 3rd April 2008, 12:18

Originally Posted by Big Dave

It went into buying vast tracts of land...

You tellin' me Terri Irwin has huge, er... tracts of land?

**The Stranger:Me** · 3rd April 2008, 12:24

Originally Posted by Finn

Any person with that amount of energy and drive gets my vote.

He has about the same amount of energy and drive as skidmark right now.

**Big Dave** · 3rd April 2008, 12:29

Originally Posted by jrandom

You tellin' me Terri Irwin has huge, er... tracts of land?

when he died i gained respec for what conservation measures he had achieved

now dunno - not interested - shes a horror

but for a dickwit he dun good.

**Jantar** · 3rd April 2008, 13:05

Originally Posted by Finn

...There are hardly any animals there but the lecture (show) in the massive arena made me want to jump into a lions cage to end my life... but sadly, no lions could be found. ,....

The lions, tigers and other big cats are in the newly developed area at the south-western corner, just past the elephants. Well that was last year, when there was a whole new African Savana area being built. I've been twice in 8 years and each time there is still more to see. I agree that by New Zealand standards it is expensive to enter. Not so expensive when compared to comparable Aussie attractions.

**scumdog** · 3rd April 2008, 13:17

Originally Posted by Jantar

The lions, tigers and other big cats are in the newly developed area at the south-western corner, just past the elephants. Well that was last year, when there was a whole new African Savana area being built. I've been twice in 8 years and each time there is still more to see. I agree that by New Zealand standards it is expensive to enter. Not so expensive when compared to comparable Aussie attractions.

I dunno - you could have a lap-dancer for $50