The common wombat having a walk!

By 1980, with all money earned being invested straight back into it, the Beerwah Reptile Park had grown and grown. The park was now Queensland’s premier wildlife attraction and the name was upgraded to the ‘Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park’. The Irwin’s purchased another 4 acres of land to develop the park further. At this time Steve Irwin began rescuing creatures that were ill or injured and the family cared for them at their park. He had also fed all the crocodiles there since the 70’s. The family hired their first employee, Wes, in the mid-80’s to help them out and later would employ Kelsey, a 15 year old work experience student who bonded with them all immediately. Both of these employees are still there to this day. In 1985, Steve’s mum and dad finally felt they could leave the park in his hands for a few weeks while they had their first holiday in 15 years.