Report Wildlife Crime

Crime Fighting Partnership Formed to Protect Australian Wildlife

Crime Stoppers Queensland, Wildlife Warriors and Australia Zoo have announced an Australian-first crime-fighting partnership to help protect native wildlife from unlawful criminal activity.

The new state-wide campaign was prompted by the recent discovery of a crocodile that had been illegally shot in the Wenlock River, in Cape York Peninsula, and by several other abusive acts towards Australian native wildlife from the past.

Wildlife Warriors, Australia Zoo and Crime Stoppers Queensland will offer a significant reward, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for anyone providing information leading to the prosecution of criminals responsible for wildlife abuse.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, as proudly supported by Wildlife Warriors, has seen a substantial increase in wildlife crimes, including koalas being shot, a brush-turkey covered in spray-paint, and kangaroos being hit by crossbows.

Founder of Wildlife Warriors, Terri Irwin, expressed her sorrow towards the discovery of the shot crocodile, and why this partnership is an important step towards adding an extra layer of protection for Australia’s defenceless wild animals.

“It was heart-breaking to find the crocodile that was mercilessly shot in the Wenlock River, an animal Steve was so passionate about,” said Terri Irwin.

“The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital works tirelessly to treat patients admitted from unintentional human causes and conflicts such as car accidents and domestic pet attacks. It is very saddening to then witness animals who have been intentionally harmed, by finding pellets scattered in their body, or when they are covered in toxic spray-paint,” she said.

“We are proud of this partnership with Crime Stoppers Queensland and Australia Zoo as we join forces to protect native wildlife across Queensland, and bring justice to animals who are wrongfully injured by humans.”

Crime Stoppers Queensland CEO, Carmen Jenkinson, said the creation of the Australian-first campaign is a great initiative for protecting native wildlife and educating the community on how to help reduce crimes against animals.

“Crime Stoppers Queensland is delighted to launch this new partnership with Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors to help bring awareness to the fact that native fauna in Queensland is protected and harming our wildlife is a crime,” said Carmen Jenkinson.

“Australia Zoo is sponsoring a reward of up to $10,000 via Crime Stoppers Queensland for information leading to an arrest in relation to the crocodile that was found shot in Far North Queensland,” she said.

“We hope the campaign gives the community the confidence to report wildlife abuse to Crime Stoppers Queensland and stay anonymous.”

Crime Stoppers research shows that one in four Queenslanders with information about illegal activity report it to Crime Stoppers because they have the option to remain anonymous.

Wildlife Warriors continues to protect wildlife and wild places, helping to achieve a world where wildlife and humans live harmoniously alongside each other. The public is encouraged to support this important initiative, and report any information on criminal activities against animals.

Queenslanders can play their part in protecting our native wildlife. If you have any information about crimes against wildlife, please contact Crime Stoppers Queensland on 1800 333 000 orMake a report online and remain anonymous.

About Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors was created by Steve and Terri Irwin, as a way to include and involve caring people in the support and conservation of the world’s most threatened wildlife species and natural habitats. Since 2002, Wildlife Warriors from around the world have joined in a global wildlife force to continue their mission and protect injured and endangered wildlife – from an individual animal to an entire species.