Australia Zoo today celebrated International Women’s Day with some of the most inspirational women in wildlife. Paving the way in conservation across the globe are Wildlife Warriors Terri and Bindi Irwin. Both women have devoted their lives to saving wildlife and protecting wild places and their mission includes inspiring others to join them.
As directors of the charity Wildlife Warriors, founded by Steve and Terri Irwin in 2002, Terri and Bindi have dedicated resources to wildlife projects around the world, with just some of those being the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Sumatran tigers, black rhino and cheetah in South Africa. Terri Irwin said she was excited to celebrate as the day’s theme rang true to her own mission in life. “The International Women’s Day theme for 2019, ‘better the balance, better the world’ is a subject that I find inspiring for so many reasons. The time is now for building a better gender balance throughout the world. I’m so honoured to be part of this historic movement that seeks to benefit us all,” said Terri. “Many of our conservation projects across the world are driven by women and one that I find particularly moving is the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit in South Africa.”
The Black Mambas are made up of young women on a mission to protect and save South Africa’s most precious wildlife. The group was founded in 2013 and since then, has reduced snaring in the Balule Nature Reserve by 99 per cent. “Many of the Black Mambas are mothers with families back home. They spend 21 days patrolling out in the field, looking for signs of poachers and working with authorities to stop poaching. Incredibly, these female rangers do not carry weapons. Although their job is dangerous, they are potentially even more effective because they are unarmed,” said Terri.
Bindi Irwin said she feels blessed to be able to work alongside some of the best conservationists in the world. “Many of the women I work with, including my beautiful mum, have taught me since I was little that girls can do anything and now I get to carry that important message to young women throughout the world,” said Bindi. “International Women’s Day is a time to reflect and acknowledge the enormous impact women are making in shaping our world. I think that this celebration of women’s achievements should stand as a reminder to recognise our ability to change the world each and every day.”
On International Women’s Day, Terri and Bindi hosted a champagne brunch, with the inspiring women of the Black Mambas and Dr Rosie Booth, Director of Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Dr. Rosie has an impressive career in conservation, driving ground-breaking research and working as the Chief of Staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Rosie is a wonderful mother and a leader in the industry of veterinary medicine. She has some fascinating stories to share.
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