Josh Ruffell has established a long career as an animal trainer for Universal Studios Theme Parks as well as multiple television shows and movies including G.I. Joe and Garfield. Most recently, Josh Ruffell served as Assistant Curator at Australia Zoo.
Located in Queensland, Australia, Australia Zoo is probably best known for its connection to the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Founded by Irwin’s parents in 1970, the 2-acre wildlife park was originally named Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park.
As a boy, Irwin grew up surrounded by reptiles and, by 9 years old, he was capturing small crocodiles helping to relocate them away from boat ramps. During the 1980s he spent months at a time catching problem crocodiles in remote areas of Queensland to rescue them from poachers.
His popularity grew when he and his wife, Terri Irwin, filmed a documentary showcasing Irwin’s skills for capturing crocodiles while on a crocodile rescue mission. The success of the documentary led to the Crocodile Hunter series.
In 1991, Irwin became manager of the park, and he took it over completely when his parents retired a year later. He set about expanding the park and renamed it Australia Zoo in 1998. Tragically, Steve Irwin passed away in 2006. Since then, his wife and children, Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin, and Robert Irwin, have worked to ensure that his legacy will not be forgotten.
Located in Queensland, Australia, Australia Zoo is probably best known for its connection to the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Founded by Irwin’s parents in 1970, the 2-acre wildlife park was originally named Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park.
As a boy, Irwin grew up surrounded by reptiles and, by 9 years old, he was capturing small crocodiles helping to relocate them away from boat ramps. During the 1980s he spent months at a time catching problem crocodiles in remote areas of Queensland to rescue them from poachers.
His popularity grew when he and his wife, Terri Irwin, filmed a documentary showcasing Irwin’s skills for capturing crocodiles while on a crocodile rescue mission. The success of the documentary led to the Crocodile Hunter series.
In 1991, Irwin became manager of the park, and he took it over completely when his parents retired a year later. He set about expanding the park and renamed it Australia Zoo in 1998. Tragically, Steve Irwin passed away in 2006. Since then, his wife and children, Terri Irwin, Bindi Irwin, and Robert Irwin, have worked to ensure that his legacy will not be forgotten.
