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Struggling Irwins’ desperate cash grab

Every dollar counts! - by Erin Doyle
  • 28 Oct 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has meant many businesses across the globe have taken a financial hit and the Irwins haven’t been immune to the financial strain.

WATCH: Australia Zoo takes in hundreds of animals affected by bushfires

Earlier this year, Australia Zoo was forced to close for 78 days and many of the wildlife park’s employees were stood down.

And while mum Terri and kids Bindi, 22,  and Robert, 16, may be finding it harder than usual to get punters through the gates, it appears they’ve found new revenue streams and have been spruiking their range of merchandise on social media.

Irwins

After a financially tough year, the Irwins (pictured from left: Chandler Powell, Bindi Irwin, Terri Irwin and Bob Irwin) are doing everything they can to stay afloat.

Instagram

In the lead-up to Halloween, Terri has taken to Twitter to share the themed products the zoo has on offer including a spooky “Death By Chocolate” coffin, which is available at the Laughing Frog Lolly Shop.

Terri has also revealed that for people wanting to spend Halloween at Australia Zoo, there are several activities  on offer. Visitors can carve their own free jack-o-lantern or go trick-or-treating at the zoo’s gift shops and cafes.

Bob Irwin, who is a keen photographer, is also spruiking his nature snaps as Christmas presents.

Australia Zoo

The Irwins have branched out into inventive merchandise, including Halloween-themed treats.

Twitter

In July, Terri opened up about the financial strain the zoo was facing after the crippling COVID-19 pandemic dealt its blow.

“I can’t even come close to paying bills; we are having to stand down staff and it’s very emotional,” Terri confessed during an episode of Crikey! It’s the Irwins.

“I’m the pilot of a big plane and the plane is going down, and I’m handing out all the parachutes I’ve got.”

Bob Irwin

Bob's stunning photography is also on sale at the zoo.

Twitter

On a typical day, the zoo spends about $78,000 a week on feeding the animals and half its income on wages, totalling a mammoth $400,000 a week.

But without visitors, the Irwin family were forced to cut jobs and operate with just a skeleton staff to keep all the animals fed and watered.

Bindi, who had just wed Chandler Powell weeks earlier, was forced to put her honeymoon plans on hold for the good of the family business.

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Erin Doyle
Erin Doyle
As Digital Managing Editor - Commerce Content at Are Media, Erin Doyle heads up the team creating shoppable content on all brands, covering everything from the latest products to the hottest experiences. When she's not working, she can be found dreaming of her next travel destination.

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