Yes that right. The zoo sight a massive loss of income do to a down turn in tourism but sources close to the zoo say that mismanagement after there star bread winner passed away has caused the zoo to go into crippling debt. Apparently 22 staff members have recently been let go from the zoo. “They have blown millions on poor planning and poor execution,” said former curator Bruce Murdock. “Steve had a lot of dreams but they were massive dreams that only he could fund.”They are trying to do it on the back of Bindi and Terri but I don’t think they can support it.” Former receptionist Amy-Lee Hines said that Australia Zoo was facing closure if drastic measures are not taken.
Teri Irwin maintains that they in fact are not closing the zoo. “Certainly I haven’t shelved Steve’s 10-year business plan,” she said.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of if, it’s a matter of when – so I wouldn’t shelve anything.
“Certainly I’m not going to be going ahead full speed at this time, but we are going ahead.”