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Loved-up Bindi Irwin has unveiled top-secret plans to buy a zoo with her US boyfriend Chandler Powell.
The devoted couple took a top secret trip to Florida last week to begin their ambitious plan of bringing the Australia Zoo empire to the States.
The couple of two years were spotted strolling hand-in-hand around Disney’s Epcot theme park in Orlando – but it was far from a romantic date.
Instead, they arrived in the late afternoon with Chandler’s parents Chris and Shannan in tow, and immediately set off inspecting the park’s gardens and communal eating areas.
‘They were very focused on the inner workings of the park, taking photos of odd things like picnic tables and gardens,’ an onlooker says.
‘They spent more time in deep discussion over coffee and inspecting the park’s layout, then only went on two rides. It was weird, given they all paid more than 100 bucks to get in!’
Insiders say the visit is all part of Bindi’s bold plan to create a theme park to rival Disney – with the ambitious teen ‘gathering intel’ for inspiration.
Bindi, 18, has a long-held dream of bringing Australia Zoo – the Sunshine Coast animal conservation park created by her estranged grandfather Bob and late dad Steve – to the US.
‘Make no mistakes, Bindi is very business-savvy and very ambitious,’ says an insider.
‘This trip was all about her taking photos and gathering intel to help her and Chandler build or buy their own zoo. She’s being methodical with her research.’
Since Bindi met American professional wakeboarder Chandler, 20, in 2014 when he visited the Queensland zoo, he’s been encouraging her to make the move to the US full-time so they can be closer to his family in Seffner, Florida.
‘Chandler knows Bindi is the one for him and is desperate to start their own life together.’
‘He’s loved learning about conservation at Australia Zoo with the Irwins and has the utmost respect for Terri, but he wants to get Bindi away from the constant reminders everywhere of her dad,’ the source says.
‘Americans love Bindi – don’t forget she won their Dancing With The Stars two years ago, so she’s already famous – and Chandler has a good business mind. Together they’d be unstoppable over here.’
For the full story, see this week’s New Idea – Out now.
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