Australia Zoo welcomes YWAM Medical Ships

Bindi Irwin with a platypus.

Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter, was delighted to welcome 10 inspiring individuals from YWAM Medical Ships for a fun day out to meet the wonderful wildlife.

YWAM Medical Ships Australia and Papua New Guinea deliver training and medical services while building capacity among local health workers in remote communities in Papua New Guinea.

YWAM’s ship manager Jeana Omal said, “We are so grateful for Australia Zoo’s generosity in giving our crew the opportunity to have a fun excursion amidst their faithfulness and tireless efforts looking after the ship.

“Most of our crew are from overseas and are full-time volunteers. Our crew has served with us in Papua New Guinea and are the ones who keep the lights and engines on, navigate the ship along extremely remote coastlines and rivers, and drive teams ashore in small boats to conduct clinics and bring hope to isolated communities.

“Visiting Australia Zoo is a unique opportunity that the crew may never have again and we know it will bring them a lot of joy, just as they have helped bring joy to people in Papua New Guinea,” she said.

The YWAM Medical Ship team met a koala and fed the beautiful free-roaming kangaroos, participated in the Wildlife Warriors show in the world-famous Crocoseum, explored the African savannah which is home to giraffes, rhinos, zebras and meerkats, and learned about our conservation efforts around the world to protect wildlife and wild places.

Wildlife conservationist Terri Irwin said, “We were so happy to host the team from YWAM Medical Ships Australia and Papua New Guinea.

“Their inspiring efforts to help and empower people across communities is remarkable, and we were thrilled to provide this special experience with our stunning wildlife at Australia Zoo.“

“At Australia Zoo, visitors can get up close with some of our beautiful animals, leaving them with an appreciation for wildlife and conservation. By educating more people about wildlife and habitat preservation, we can continue to make this world a better place for generations to come,“ Terri said.

To find out more information about YWAM Medical Ships Australia and Papua New Guinea, visit ywamships.org/