Ambassadors
Joey Ambassadors
Our Joey Ambassadors are a very special group of young people who have shown a real commitment to the cause. They epitomise the things that Steve was famous for and are the next generation to take us forward in conservation. Donate to the Joey Ambassadors
The Joey Ambassador Registrations have now closed for 2011. Please keep checking the site for when registration opens up for 2012!
Read Joey Ambassador FAQ
Click a Joey Ambassador to view their profile (appears below)
Jordan Baugh - Ohio, USA
I'm Jordan Baugh and to me everyday is Steve Irwin Day. I started a business about 9 months ago called Jordy B - Designs For Wildlife and haven't stopped working a day! I make designer key chains and lanyards made from top quality ribbon. A lot of the ribbon I use is donated and is the retired ribbon of designer Douglas Paquette. One of my first sales was to Terri Irwin herself! I sell them to individuals like Terri, stores and through my website www.designsforwildlife.org. All net proceeds go directly to Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. I am working very hard everyday to expand my business and I now have key chains in a few stores in the U.S.A. With my key chains and lanyards I have a display that talks about my mission and informs people about Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. My goal is not only to collect money for the organization but to educate people about Wildlife Warriors. I want everyone to know that even a 9 year old like me can make a change!
Kaylee Beer - Perth, Western Australia
Hi my name is Kaylee and I am 14 years old and living in Western Australia.
This is my second year fundraising for Steve Irwin Day and it has been such a rewarding experience so far. Like many of you, I have grown up around a lot of animals and I'm committed to finding out everything I can about them. It's been my dream for as long as I can remember to work at Australia Zoo, and after spending time there last November for Steve Irwin Day 2010, I want to work there more than ever.
I think if we all work hard we can raise even more money than previous years, and that means a lot more animals will have a better chance of survival.
Animal conservation is a very important topic for me. I think it would be amazing if we can save our beautiful species so that the future generations can see them and learn to respect and care for these magnificent creatures the way us Wildlife Warriors do.
Unfortunately many people take our wildlife for granted and we need to keep Steve's conservation dream alive by preserving our environment and protecting the animals that live in it. Animals do not have a voice and it's part of our job as Joey Ambassadors to speak up for all the wildlife that need our help. The smallest amount of money can make the biggest difference. If we want people to understand why animals deserve our attention and how that loose change in your pocket or those coins lying around in your car can easily be donated and make a huge difference, it will benefit the entire world.
If we all help out, we can make a big difference. People have to understand it's a worthy cause, a small (or large) donation can make the world a happier place.
So please give it some thought, and understand that the animals need our help and hopefully you're willing to give it by donating to such a wonderful cause.
It's time to make a difference and help the unfortunate animals, donating is such a rewarding experience for both the animals, and the donor.
Don't be afraid to dig deep, the world will thank you for it.
Thank you to all of you amazing people that donate, words cannot describe how happy I am that you donated!
Steven Benbrook - Narara, NSW
G'day my name is Steven Benbrook and I live in New South Wales, Australia. I am in year eight and when I finish school I want to be a zoo vet or a zoologist. Ever since I can remember I have loved wildlife big and small. I have particularly taken a big interest in reptiles. I am extremely passionate about global change to make a better future for people, wildlife and the environment. In my spare time I like to research different species of animals, raise awareness for conservation and find ways to raise money for Wildlife Warriors. My goal this year is to raise $15,000 for Wildlife Warriors and i cannot do it without your help. No matter how much you give it all makes a BIG difference and will help save many species of animal from extinction. This year all the money raised goes straight to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to help them care for thousands of injured animals each year. Thank you and don't forget to KHAKI IT! this Steve Irwin Day :)
Steven's Poem:
The wildlife let out an almighty bellow as they draw near the edge
Glistening rays from the spectacular golden sun beaming upon the broken ledge
Fearful and aghast they push on into an uncertain future of doubt
Until there's no more hope, no more dreams, no more marvelous creatures about
Say something, do something, stand up for these creatures
No more killing, no more murder, no pointless use of their features
Support Wildlife Warriors and you can help make a brighter future too
Don't let extinction be something we forever rue
Claire Bensted - Lara, VIC
Hello, my name is Claire and I am years old 13 years old. My favourite animal is a Asian elephant because they are so big and look powerful, but they are really gentle, caring and smart. The reason I became a Joey Ambassador is because I believe that every creature big and small is worth saving and valuing. I believe zoos are important because they help to conserve all animals and teach people about protecting their futures. When I grow up I would like to work at a zoo with Asian elephants and help teach people to protect these animals. I am inspired by Steve Irwin because he did so much to help wildlife and teach the world to conserve and protect all animals.
Ailish Bolt - Glass House Mountains, QLD
Hi, my name is Ailish Bolt and I am 6 years old. I am in Grade 1 at primary school. We live in Queensland, not far from Australia Zoo!
My brother Ash and I are presenters of a new video series which we are currently filming called Planet You. We spend most of our spare time finding out about problems that kids are interested in and then we go all over the country and film interviews with different people. It's really good fun but a lot of work.
The things that I am most passionate about are wildlife, endangered species, homelessness, poverty and "global change". Global change is about getting people to change the way they think and act and be more responsible and caring. It's about getting a lot of people to make little changes and creating change around the world.
My chosen animal is the orang-utan because they are critically endangered because their trees keep getting cut down for paper and palm oil plantations.
I'm really excited to be a Joey Ambassador.
Jacob and Callie Danko - Pennsylvania, USA
Hi my name is Jacob. I am 12 years old and in 7th grade. I am proud to say that I am one of the original Joey Ambassadors. I am happy to be participating again to help protect wildlife. When I am not our exploring, I enjoy playing on Upper Moreland's soccer team, playing my drums, and riding my bike.
Hi my name is Callie. I am 8 years old and in 3rd grade. This is my first year as a Joey Ambassador and I am thrilled. I helped out Jacob in previous years and am very excited to be a part of the team. When I'm not out exploring, I enjoy playing on Upper Moreland's soccer team too, riding my scooter, and dancing.
We want to help protect wildlife and their habitats. Steve is our hero and we want to make sure his legacy is carried on. He did so much to protect wildlife. Helping continue Steve's work over here in the USA is what we want to do. We want to bring awareness to people about the need for habitat conservation; everyday more and more is lost - forever. Wildlife Warriors has ongoing projects all around the world and we want to help raise funds for their projects. Anything you can give would be appreciated because every dollar helps! So please, help us make a difference!
Thank you for supporting our conservation efforts. Woohoo!!
Jacob & Callie's poem:
Wildlife Warriors want you to know
Always remember wherever you go
To walk on earth gently and
Explore what you like
Whether by rowboat or taking a hike
Show our wildlife some respect
Observe and admire, just don't collect.
Isabel Dow - Gailes, QLD
Hi I'm Isabel and I am 9 years old. I am a Wildlife Warrior. I love all animals and Australia Zoo. I have been going to Australia Zoo since I was 4 years old and attend EVERY special event they have. I have been to every Steve Irwin Day and last year even went to the Steve Irwin Gala Dinner with my Dad and friends from America. It was one of the best nights of my life. I have a passion for whales and have even gone to protests. I am happy to say that Captain Paul Watson is my friend. I am a "hands-on" Joey Ambassador and help ALL animals. I like taking people to the Zoo and showing them the work they do at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. I love making videos about my encounters with animals and like to share all my experiences. My goal is to make as many people aware of us co-living with animals and whales as I can, and one day I want to work for both Australia Zoo and Sea Shepherd together.
Being a Wildlife Warrior means loving our animals and showing others how to care and protect them too. Being a Joey Ambassador is special and last year I met so many nice people through it that when I was asked if I want to do it again this year I said "Yes YES YES". We have a mission and I say YES!!! If you hold an animal just once you will understand why it is all worth it :)
Georgia and Charlotte Frost - Currumundi, QLD
Hi my name is Georgia. I am 8. I am a Joey Ambassador with my sister Charlotte. She is 6. We live on the Sunshine Coast and have a dog.
We wanted be Joey Ambassadors because last year we tried to save Tasmanian devils from extinction. When we were saving Tassie devils we decided we had to be Joeys because there are hundreds more endangered animals (not just one). Our goal is to save Australian wildlife before they become extinct. Grown-ups are very busy so we think that it's up to kids, like us and our friends, to save animals today so we can see them in the wild when we are grown-up. If we all put in a little bit of time or money we can do much more than if only one or two people do a lot.
Joshua Garrett - Houghton Le Spring, UK
Hi my name is Joshua. This is my first year as a Joey Ambassador, and I'm really excited to start raising money for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
I love snakes and koalas, they are really interesting and I find koalas very cute.
I enjoy visiting my local zoo to meet all the animals and get up close. One day I would like to visit Australia Zoo. In my spare time I like being outside, drawing, singing and playing my guitar. I have a puppy called Maya, she's like my best friend. I can't wait to start my fundraising with the help from my friends and family. I hope we can raise enough money to help all the sick animals :)
Keegan Hall - Dunedin, NZ
My name is Keegan and I really love animals. When I am older I want to work at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. I live in Dunedin, New Zealand and I am almost 8 years old. I love karate and swimming. My favourite animal is the echidna and my happiest day was when I got to hold the echidnas at Australia Zoo. I have a cat named Baxter that lives with me and an adopted echidna named Prickle that lives at the Zoo.
Madison Hutton - Christchurch, NZ
My name's Madison and I'm 14 years old. I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. I'm in Year 9 at school. I LOVE all animals, including wildlife, and I constantly annoy my friends and family about little things that help the environment - such as recycling or turning off the tap fully so that it doesn't drip!
I have a mum, Joanne, a dad, Richard, and an 11-year-old sister, Olivia. I also have a cat called Maui and a dog named Chester.
This is my first year as a Joey Ambassador. I really want to help wildlife - it's what I love to do. When I get older I'd love to be a vet - though I'm not yet sure of what type.
I could never pick a favourite type of animal - I just want to save ALL of them! Unfortunately this is not a task that can be done individually. I know that I can make a difference. Please could you try to do this too. I don't mean just money! You could recycle, or pick up litter that's on the ground - Including your own!
My role model is Bindi Irwin - because she's accomplished so much and helped so many animals - and she's only 13 years old! I was lucky enough to visit Australia Zoo and meet Bindi recently and I am totally inspired.
I think we all, like her, can make a big difference!
Madison's Poem:
Deep in the bush of the Aussie outback
Cars come and go on an out of place track
Sam the koala needed to eat
He climbed down his tree and set off on his feet
Across the strange pathway and into the night
Suddenly! He was held still by a light!
Closer and closer the light flew at Sam
Closer and closer and closer, then BAM!
The light had been solid! And now Sam was sore.
He lay there for hours on the now quiet floor.
Then another car came and stopped by his side.
"Help me, please!" the koala cried.
The person got out and put Sam in the car.
That person that day drove Sam very far.
‘Australian Wildlife Hospital' the billboard read.
They quickly got Sam cosy into a bed.
They assessed him then gave him something to eat.
Some medicine - tucked into a yummy treat!
Sam felt much better, and he started to play.
Soon Sam was well, and off and away.
Lots of animals stories start of like Sam's
But don't always end like it. But they can!
We need help from you - to donate or bring
Other wildlife who have suffered this sort of thing
Donate to Wildlife Warriors - they are helping the cause
And are saving all animals - webbed feet or paws
Go to the website - and donate you can!
To make stories come true, like that one of Sam's.
Sarah Jaeger - Launceston, TAS
Hi, my name is Sarah, and I'm 9 years old. I am very interested in animals, and visit zoos whenever I can. I absolutely love visiting Australia Zoo on holidays, and think the Wildlife Hospital is fantastic. I want to be a vet one day and work with wild animals.
At home I visit Tasmania Zoo lots. They have a great program to help Tasmanian devils, because lots of devils are dying from a facial tumour disease. I still want to be able to see animals like Tasmanian devils in the wild when I'm grown up, but if we don't look after them now there won't be any left.
I enjoy sport, and doing outdoor things. My favourite colour is khaki, which I wear everywhere, because it reminds me of Wildlife Warriors and animals. Even though I am only a kid, I think kids can make a real difference, and being a Joey Ambassador is a great way to do this. It is important to look after our wild animals, and the places they live.
Sarah's Poem - What Have You Missed?
As you grow up you might wonder what you have missed
Wonder what was here before you were born
You might feel like you've missed great living things
Missed something rare and beautiful
The truth is, you have.
My great grandmother swam in pure blue seas
On the shores of the Bay of Fires
Watched by pods of migrating humpback whales
Spouting tall fountains of icy water
Whales might be what you have missed.
My grandfather grew up on a farm
In the shadow of the mysterious Cradle Mountain
Watched by sleek Tasmanian tigers
Golden, beautiful and striped
Tasmanian tigers might be what you have missed.
My mother grew up in the Tasmanian wilderness
But never saw a Tasmanian tiger
They were extinct
And the humpback whales were gone
But she slept with the roars of Tasmanian devils.
I have never seen a Tasmanian tiger
Or a humpback whale
And the sounds of devils are disappearing
Their wild echoes have stopped ringing
They are almost gone.
Who will help our endangered animals?
These mighty yet beautiful creatures
Will my children ever see a devil?
We must help our animal friends
Protect them from danger and disease.
Zoos give us hope
Hope that we can bring back our friends
Visit Australia Zoo or Tasmania Zoo
Follow in Steve Irwin's footsteps
Make sure we do not miss anything else.
Stephanie Kirk - Armidale, NSW
Hi my name is Stephanie and I am 13 years old. My parents' names are Sue and Russell and I have two sisters and two brothers. I attend Ben Venue Public school in Armidale in N.S.W. I love to sing in the choir and I also like being in plays and concerts as well.
I attend Kung Fu lessons and I hold an orange belt in that so far. I became a Wildlife Warrior when I was 8 years old after my hero Steve Irwin passed away.
I have loved animals for as long as I can remember. My favourite animal is the eagle and my favourite place is Australia Zoo. I have been donating my pocket money for the last three years and doing fundraisers for Wildlife Warriors. When I get older I want be a part of the Wildlife Warrior team and help with the programs that they have going.
Steph's Poem
I see my future ahead of me
I can't imagine what it will be
Without our gorgeous animals
Big and small, amphibians and mammals
Not around for our kids to see
Endangered is where we shouldn't be
The poachers and hunters have been so cruel
They should have followed all the rules
Even the tiniest things matter
They shouldn't have to worry about a clatter
Cutting down their trees and wrecking their home
Leaving them nowhere to roam
We try so hard to do our best
Saving our wildlife will be the ultimate test
Steve Irwin had a beautiful dream
And he left behind a wonderful team
Of Wildlife Warriors and carers as well
And a terrific family now isn't that swell.
Aimee and Danielle Knezovich - Morayfield, QLD
My name is Danielle, I want to be a veterinarian and marine biologist when I grow up. I love all marine animals. I love turtles, dolphins, sharks and whales, and would love to work at Australia Zoo and with Sea Shepherd when I get older.
My name is Aimee, I want to be a veterinarian and zoologist when I grow up. I love koala and kangaroo joeys, wombats are cute too, and I love snakes too. I would love to work at Australia Zoo Animal Hospital when I get older.
Hi, yes we are twins, and we are nearly 10 years old. We live on the Sunshine Coast and visit the family farm in Beerwah a lot. We are absolutely passionate about animals, we love going to Conservation Conversations and visiting the Australia Zoo Animal Hospital. We are really excited to help raise money for the hospital. As children we can make a difference and so can you. Any donation big or small helps!! We love going to the animal hospital and watching the animals get all the help they need from caring vets and nurses. We are really excited to become part of the Joey Ambassador program this year. We love spreading the word about our lovely animals and how we ALL can help them to live, survive and thrive in our world.
The hospital is completely charity based, so it needs every donation it gets. Nearly 100 wildlife emergency calls are received everyday. Approx. 70% of patients are victims of motor vehicle accidents or domestic pet attacks. The cost to treat one animal ranges from $100 to thousands of dollars. The hospital is open 24-hours-a-day, 365 days a year.
Please donate, as this is such a special cause. We need to love and look after the special unique species we have been blessed with in Australia. So many of our species are really needing your help, please donate, any donation big or small it all helps.
Connor Lenoury - Werribee, VIC
Hi, my name is Connor. I am 4 years old and have been an apprentice Wildlife Warrior since I was 2 years old. I go out with my Aunty Suzie and raise money for the Wildlife Warriors. I also do letter box drops with Suzie and tell people that I am a Wildlife Warrior and that we have to be nice to the wildlife and that you should not use plastic bags cause it hurts the animals. I help pick up rubbish because it belongs in the bin not on the ground. I love watching Bindi and her daddy Steve Irwin, they teach me what I should and should not do around animals. I have two dogs at home and one at my pa and ma's house.
I love snakes they are soooo cool and blue tongue lizards, crocodiles and dinosaurs. I want to be just like Steve when I grow up or even like Robert because Robert likes the same things I do.
WOOHOO
Khaki is not just a colour it's an attitude MATE!!
Leah Lever - Victoria Point, QLD
Being selected as Joey Ambassadors is a dream come true for 8-year-old Leah.
Leah shares her sister Lexy's passion and is particularly keen on helping Australian animals that are often overlooked, including bats and frogs. "Every day I wake up to hear the bats near our house come home to their babies after spending all night looking for food. They are always so excited and talk to each other and like people, always know their own babies, no matter how many are waiting in the trees. It would be tragic to not hear the sounds of bats or the wood frogs chatting about the rain. I think sometimes people take these sorts of animals for granted."
Both girls spent their early years on a tiny island called Coochiemudlo. It's a place where traffic gives way to curlews in the breeding season and everyone knows your name. There are no traffic lights and lots of lovely beaches fringed by nature. Although the girls no longer live on the island permanently, they still visit often and now live beside an egret wetlands colony which is also home to a lively family of bats.
Leah's Poem - Life's Not A Mystery
This world so big and lovely
Was meant for not just you and me
Animals roam from bush to sea
Under the rock and up the tree
So it should not be a mystery
To simply live and let them be
Lexy Lever - Victoria Point, QLD
Being selected as Joey Ambassadors is a dream come true for Lexy, 10 and Leah, 8, with both girls being passionate about animals.
"I think everybody should do their bit to look after endangered animals," Lexy said. "I know there are many groups and people around the world who need money at the moment, but it is just as important to remember and protect the circle of life. Just think, each time a species dies out, the circle of life crumbles just a little and it really doesn't need to even happen."
Both girls spent their early years on a tiny island called Coochiemudlo. It's a place where traffic gives way to curlews in the breeding season and everyone knows your name. There are no traffic lights and lots of lovely beaches fringed by nature. Although the girls no longer live on the island permanently, they still visit often and now live beside an egret wetlands colony which is also home to a lively family of bats.
Lexy's Poem - Turn the Page
After weeks of rest
She can find a new mate and start to nest
She had not seen the car
But it hit her and had knocked her far
She had lay for ages on her back
A bleeding leg and a long shell crack
The hospital vet and the reptile cage
Had helped the turtle turn the page.
Gracie-Dawn and Petrina Lewis - Toogoolawah QLD
Gracie-Dawn, 6, and Petrina, 4, live in Queensland, Australia. Their hobbies are singing, dancing, completing various artworks and of course caring for our sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. They assist on a daily basis with the care of 7 possums, a joey red neck wallaby, two rainbow lorikeets and various other animals.
In January this year Gracie- Dawn and Petrina were awarded the Queensland Disaster Hero medal for thier contributions during the 2011 floods. Both girls filled sand bags, assisted in preparing and supplying food to those stranded in their homes or in evacuation centres and sorting through truck loads of clothing, household goods and food parcels to be transported to devastated areas around South East Queensland.
The girls enjoy being involved with learning about animals and being a part of the rescue and release of those in need of care. Gracie-Dawn and Petrina are so excited to be accepted as Joey Ambassadors with Australia Zoo and hope to be able to raise lots and lots of money and supplies for the Hospital.
Catelin and Ethan Lipham - Florida, US
Hi! My name is Catelin. I am nine and live in the United States. I like books and animals. I enjoy gymnastics and have been taking piano lessons.
Hi! My name is Ethan. I am six years old and live in the United States. I love to play sports, especially soccer. I am interested in learning about animals and space.
Our family has a dog named Jessa, a cat named Licorice, a gerbil named Jenny and two fish named Zippity Zipper and Sharky. We love to visit our local zoo - Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida. The meerkats, elephants and orangutans are some of our favourite animals to watch. Our family loves to travel. So far we have been to 20 of the 50 states in the U.S. One day we hope to visit Australia too!
We chose to be a part of the Joey Ambassadors because we don't want any animal to become extinct. We are excited about raising money for the Wildlife Hospital at Australia Zoo because we know what great work they do there saving animals!
Catelin's Poem
Wildlife Warriors really rock!
They keep helping animals, they never stop.
Steve inspired us from the start,
His memory lives in all our hearts.
Everyday, they bring good news,
To the wild animals at the zoo,
Of all the animals being saved,
Because of the plans Wildlife Warriors have made!
Ethan's Poem
Crocodiles chomp,
Cheetahs run,
Whales swim,
Orangutans swing,
Elephants spray,
Tigers play,
Tasmanian devils bite,
All because of Wildlife Warriors' fight!
Suzie Magann - Hoppers Crossing, VIC
G'Day Everyone,
My name is Suzie. I am 14 years old and I am a Joey Ambassador for the Wildlife Warriors.. I strongly support Australia Zoo and Steve Irwin's Wildlife Warriors in their cause in saving our wildlife and conservation. Steve Irwin's dream was to have the world's largest wildlife hospital and that has happened. But a bit of background first.
Australia Zoo opened the original Wildlife Animal Hospital in 2004 in memory of Steve Irwin's mum Lyn Irwin. The building is an old avocado packing shed which was outfitted with medical equipment to become a functioning wildlife hospital. It provided free veterinary care for thousands of native animals every year that had been critically injured, primarily by motor vehicles, dog and cat attacks or clearing of the land. They looked after koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, snakes, sugar-gliders, emus, pelicans, sea turtles, platypuses and every other native animal you can think of.
The new hospital does all that and more. It iss a environmentally friendly building it has been made out of straw bales and rammed earth, which is pretty cool for our environment... WooHoo....Well the hospital was completed and officially opened on Nov.15th 2008, but it will always needs our help. They rely on donations from the public to help take care of the animals and run the hospital. We humans need to help. The human race can help itself but the animals and the earth have no way of doing this. The greed of mankind is taking it all away.
Did you know the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital treats up to 8600 wildlife patients each year? The cost to treat each patient varies and they rely heavily on the support of generous people just like you.
Here are some of the costs:
$10 buys conjunctivitis drops for koala patients
$30 buys milk for kangaroo joey patients
$50 buys anesthetic used in life saving surgeries
$100 buys enough food for a sea turtle for three days
$120 covers basic surgical treatment for one special patient
$500 repairs a broken limb and one week of rehabilitation
Like I said before the hospital treats up to 8600 animals a year - that is a lot of money. This is where I thought of you. I have a dream of donating to them a large sum of money to help them out. If everyone that loved Steve and his causes donated even fifty cents each that would be a ton of money for the hospital.
Can you please donate even a little bit please!
PLEASE HELP SO OUR WILDLIFE CAN LIVE
We can go to the doctor and chemist to make ourselves well.. Wildlife can not do this!
$10.00 does not buy much these days but every bit helps conservation and wildlife
$2.00 these days buys even less, but I can tell you that $2.00 can make a very big difference for wildlife & conservation
ALL money will be donated directly to WILDLIFE WARRIORS for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
Please GIVE so they can LIVE!
I thank YOU with all my heart - "I may be a kid but I am making a DIFFERENCE"
Jade Masson - Hemel Hempstead, UK
Hello my name is Jade Masson and I am 9 years old. I am from the UK, but lived on the Sunshine Coast for two years. I was a Joey Ambassador last year as well and I am sooo excited about this year! I love wildlife and all animals so much and am so passionate about conservation and preserving our planet. I love Australia Zoo, we go there quite a lot, I would love to go every day! I also love Sea Shepherd, we go to lots of fundraising events with them, and help raise money so they can go and protect our whales. I love whales and we need to look after and protect them, because so many people want to hurt them.
I have three Alexandrine parrots called Lucy, Ron and Charlotte and a goldfish called Larry, I love them all very much. I used to have a pet snail called Slugsy, I painted his shell pink so the birds wouldn't eat him and he kept coming back to our garden year after year.
My mum and dad are Sally and Stewart and I have a sister, Devon, who is 11, and a brother, Finlay, who is 6. They are both Joey Ambassadors too and are going to help me raise money for Wildlife Warriors where they can. I hope I can raise lots so we can help all the sick and injured animals. I went to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital recently and saw all the wonderful work they do there, looking after so many sick and injured animals.
I am going to do my very best to be a great Joey Ambassador and tell everyone about Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors and Steve Irwin Day. I wear my khaki's all the time because I feel so proud to represent Australia Zoo. I saw Steve Irwin do his croc show once when we came on holiday, he was so great, he cared for wildlife so much and part of my job is to carry on his good work.
Jade's Poem
When one species is dead they are dead - it feels like someone has left their shell - and their shell has broke for life.
We have our life so those loving animals should have their life too. Good thing we have our amazing Wildlife Warriors to save and protect the wonderful wildlife in our world.
They need saving - not later - NOW
love Jade x
Devon's Poem
We are not humans - we are animals fighting for our families survival - to protect and help.
We as wildlife warriors do our part by encouraging and raising funds to protect our fellow families.
There is not just animals to protect, there are jungles, forest and our beautiful oceans.
Our wildlife make up the world, they put it together, we don't want to break that puzzle, don't think animals as just animals - think of them as families.
HELP US SAVE OUR FELLOW FAMILIES
Caden Mazur - Morwell, VIC
Hi! My name is Caden, I am 4 years old and am very excited to be a Joey Ambassador for Wildlife Warriors. My mummy is helping me do all the stuff I can't quite do yet for the fundraising.. But I get to make all the fun decisions! I've always loved animals. My pop owns a farm, and my mummy takes me to zoos to teach me about conservation. I love all animals, my favourite are turtles, monkeys and crocodiles :) I also love dinosaurs very much! I call Steve the ''Crikey Man'' which makes my mummy laugh and when I say Terri it sounds like Terrweeee :) My mummy thinks Bindi and Robert have great morals and loves that I am a Joey and hopes together we raise a lot of money to help the sick animals.
My favourite things are cooking, drawing, animals and most of all being outside in the mud!!!! My mummy wrote this for me but she read it to me and I liked it :) Time to get started on my FUN-draising! Love Caden
Ash Ogilvie - Glass House Mountains, QLD
Hi, I'm Ash. I'm 16 and I'm in Year 10 at high school. I live at Glass House Mountains, a few minutes away from Australia Zoo.
I'm one of the two presenters of Planet You, a video series that is currently being filmed, which involves me going all around the country to interview people about some of the biggest issues in the world.
The things I enjoy doing are my various charity endeavours and playing sport, especially cricket. I also enjoy writing music.
My chosen animal is the Sumatran tiger because it is a beautiful creature that is now critically endangered because its habitats keep getting destroyed for palm oil plantations, and they are constantly poached for their beautiful fur and other parts of their body for Asian medicines.
I am quite honoured to be a Joey Ambassador and hope that I can achieve a high level of awareness for the cause.
Emily Palmer - Glen Waverley, VIC
Hi, my name is Emily. I am almost 13 years old.
For me, being picked as a Joey Ambassador is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am so excited. It's everything I could ever have dreamed of.
I live in Glen Waverley, Melbourne, Victoria. My school is Highvale Primary School. We have a sanctuary where children can care for our 3 chickens and 2 rabbits and see the frog pond. We grow organic veggies and sell free range eggs, recycle paper and compost food scraps. We have a butterfly trail and have planted over 2000 trees to attract native wildlife.
When I am not at school, I am often walking in local bush land with my family. Every year I save about 3 or 4 magpies from being attacked by other magpies or crows, and I take them to a lady who looks after them and makes them into new family groups and then releases them into new areas (which takes her at least a year). I also spend a lot of time in our aviary with our 3 cockatiels or playing with my dog Buddy.
When I leave school I want to do Zoology and work at Australia Zoo or somewhere like that. I was so happy when I went to the Australia Zoo. It felt like I belonged there. The keepers were so nice and the animals were all around me. The bearded dragons were so cute. I loved all the wildlife and especially the red panda. I could live at Australia Zoo forever. The wildlife needs us to protect them because they can't do it on their own.
Ella Van Cleave - BC, Canada
Although I love all animals big and small, my true passion is the conservation of our world's oceans, and at 13 I'm fighting everyday to save the world I love. I live on Vancouver Island, a place absolutely rich in oceanic biodiversity, and I spend my summers kayaking off the coast playing with the seals and the occasional whale. Last summer I was kayaking by an island most people know as "Jimmy Chicken Island" and I was surprised to look over and find that an orca had appeared directly next to my boat, so close I could have touched it. When I saw the curiosity and the interest that orca had in me, a human being, I instantly fell in love. Thus my quest for cetacean conservation began.
A friend of mine introduced me to the documentary "The Cove" which I have watched religiously ever since. A few months later, and after a fair bit of research, I launched my website, www.savethedolphinsmile.com, to raise awareness around an annual dolphin slaughter held in the waters of Taiji, Japan. Now, my website also gives information about captivity, other dolphin slaughters held around the world, as well as videos of some of my presentations.
I give presentations to a variety of different audiences whenever possible. Where I live in Victoria, I've given a keynote presentation at The Change Conference and in just a few days I will be flying across the country to present in Saskatchewan at the Environmental Education and Communications (EECOM) conference. I'm also a certified diver, so I film whenever I can. It gives me a way to show people what's really down there, so they can fall in love with the ocean too.
"Never retreat, Never surrender, Keep pushing" -Paul Watson. That's my plan. Like Dory says in Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming!!" I've only just started!
Ella's Poem - Extinction is Forever
Human, man, woman of the land
We greet you from a place far beyond the sand
Once a place where our songs once roamed the seas
We no longer find refuge in the ocean breeze
As time goes by our numbers start to dwindle
A love so strong your heart does not kindle
So we pray that today you will remember
Extinction, my friend, will alway last forever
Taylah Vere-Flint - Hampton Park, VIC
Taylah and Tyson are 12-year-old twins that from a very young age have loved all animals great and small. They become Steve Irwin fans as young children and now have a passion for all animals. Taylah and Tyson decided to help raise funds to make people aware of conservation and what we can do as a whole to help protect not only our animals but there homes. We believe that together we can make a differance and we want to show you how.
Tyson Vere-Flint - Hampton Park, VIC
Taylah and Tyson are 12-year-old twins that from a very young age have loved all animals great and small. They become Steve Irwin fans as young children and now have a passion for all animals. Taylah and Tyson decided to help raise funds to make people aware of conservation and what we can do as a whole to help protect not only our animals but there homes. We believe that together we can make a differance and we want to show you how.
Blake Wayenberg - Albury, NSW
Hi my name is Blake, I am 8 years old, and I am from Albury NSW. This is my first year as a Joey Ambassador and I am very proud. This year I am aiming to raise at least $2000 for Wildlife Warriors. I love mountain bike riding, snorkelling, cubs, camping, being outdoors listening to the sounds of nature, cooking, and animals, especially koalas and giraffes. I really want to help Wildlife Warriors raise money to help stop habitat destruction and research the chlamydia virus in koalas.
Some of the things I will be doing this year to raise money are a Mothers' Day raffle, pie drive, sausage sizzle at Bunnings, Fathers' Day raffle, and I'm organising a Khaki Day at school. I've grown up watching Steve's documentaries and movies and Bindi The Jungle Girl, and I have learnt so much about wildlife from them. I really enjoy reading Bindi's books, and Crikey magazine. I admire the work that Wildlife Warriors does for the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, and would like to help raise money to keep it going.
You can do your bit to help save the environment too by:
• Using green bags instead of plastic bags
• Turning off the lights when you leave the room
• Using a shower timer to help save water
• Putting your rubbish in the bin and participating in Clean Up Australia Day
• Participating in Earth Hour
• Walking or riding your bike to school instead of driving
• When going on a bush walk, stick to the track so you are not destroying animals' homes
Please help me by donating money to this very worthy cause. Every little bit counts :)
Global Ambassadors
We are fortunate to have some very influential and passionate personalities lending their name to our cause. They are living a little on the wild side and helping us to spread the word.Donate to Wildlife Warriors.
Select a Global Ambassador to view their profile
Jimmy Barnes
Some know him as the lead vocalist of Cold Chisel, some know him as the most successful Australian rock singer, many know him as an Aussie battler and most know him as Barnesy. Now we can stick another description on him - Wildlife Warrior!
Barnesy has joined our team of Ambassadors to help raise the profile of wildlife in need. Australia Zoo has long been a favourite holiday destination of his and now he has taken his passion for wildlife to the next level. Good on ya, Barnesy!
The Veronicas
Twin sisters Jess and Lisa Origliasso are The Veronicas, and are the hottest thing in Australia right now. Since the release of their debut album "The Secret Life Of...", these young superstars have taken the Australian music industry by storm and their star is quickly rising overseas as well, seeing them feature in a US national tour with Ashlee Simpson.
Along with writing and performing their hit songs, Jess and Lisa also have a passion for wildlife, so upon visiting the Australian Wildlife Hospital during some downtime in Oz, they felt compelled to do something to help. Their involvement will help bring wildlife awareness to young people.
John Williamson
He holds to his name more great songs than is fair for one man to have written and defines the Australian character. His successful music career has spanned over 35 years. He has released 35 albums and won 23 Golden Guitars from the Country Music Awards of Australia. He is the Australian spirit and he is a Wildlife Warrior.
Over the past two years, John has made significant donations to Wildlife Warriors to help our Australian Wildlife Conservation projects, including the Australian Wildlife Hospital. This man is undoubtedly true blue. Support Wildlife Warriors Worldwide by purchasing John Williamson's new CD.
Jamie Dunn
In a previous life he was a bit of an animal himself, playing the voice of Agro on Channel 7's 'Agro's Cartoon Connection'. Now Jamie Dunn is a popular breakfast radio host on the Sunshine Coast's Zinc FM. Jamie has been an active ambassador thus far, participating in our Corporate Jungle by raising $1000 in one hour and showing off his artistic flair by contributing to our mural at the official launch of Wildlife Warriors at Australia Zoo in April.
Zinc FM are also supporters of Wildlife Warriors and help us out with local promotion.
Khaliah Ali
Khaliah Ali, daughter of legend and former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, is a successful fashion designer. Ali serves as the National Spokesperson for the Hand in Hand With Children Campaign, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and is a board member for such charitable organizations as Project Sunshine, The Salvation Army's Soup's On, and Help USA.
She was nominated for a regional Emmy for her "Education is Paramount" program, and was nominated to run for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Khaliah is now our US Ambassador for Wildlife Warriors.