G'day, my name is Bob Irwin. My life's work, together with my late son Steve, was in pioneering crocodile research in Australia. This month I turned 75, and while the word 'retirement' is not yet on the cards, I am mindful that I won't always have the opportunities that I currently have at my fingertips to ensure that this work continues long after I fall off the perch. 

It is my hope to take a group of dedicated young Australians into my world of conservation for a field trip with what will be the next generation of crocodile experts. Our croc camp will see the team take part in observational research and scope out opportunities for a long-term, scientific study of crocodiles and their habitat. My vision is to later develop this into a broader wildlife expedition that will focus on a number of 'at risk' species in the areas of Far North Queensland.

My ultimate goal is to continue the legacy of my son Steve and instill his passion for wildlife conservation into the next generation. Our shared dream is to ensure that up to date, welfare-based research is available to policy makers so that in the future, our findings may be used to educate and collaborate regarding a) best possible crocodile management practices and b) the safety of those who share their environment. 

Please support stage one of this project in order to help keep this dream alive. The biggest loss, that I see, is if this all stops with me. I would like now, to help inject my lifelong passion for this important species into the future leaders of wildlife management in this country. There is so much work to be done, and currently so few of us to do it. The  future survival of our unique Australian wildlife is in their hands.

| "My Dad, just the legend of the universe. When I was the tiniest little kid, I'd look up at my Dad and he was larger than life. He was just like this action hero. He was everything I wanted to be. And all I've done in my life is follow in his footsteps, mimic him and try and be him. Nowadays, I just try to make him proud, mate." | -Steve Irwin.

I gain strength from him, I get inspiration from him, I still have the passion and the drive that he and I both had. I sincerely hope that you will support our team in making this project a reality.

Thank you.

Final Thoughts from Bob

Testimonials

Eagerly led by Bob Irwin, a team of dedicated young Australians who have been working in the field of crocodile management, will have the opportunity to attend an expedition in Far North Queensland. Here, these "students" will have the chance to learn almost everything Bob has learnt through his 40 years of working with the world's largest living reptile and other wildlife inhabiting these areas. The team are top of their game, wildlife professionals from across Queensland. 

An opportunity has presented itself to our team to gain access to an important wildlife haven in Cape York. This private property, where it is intended for the research to take place, is well off the beaten track and unfamiliar to the team; it therefore requires a thorough, collaborative investigation for its research value. The location, adjoins a number of other  highly valuable neighboring properties in the area  that are rich and diverse in a number of critical wildlife species. It will be the team's focus to establish a relationship with such property owners to gain access to their properties for the purpose of research and conservation.

The objective will be to collaborate and develop a long-term research project driven by these future conservationists focusing on a number of identified 'at risk' species. It will not only give a platform for our wildlife to have a voice, but a platform whereby young Australians working in the conservation arena, can collaboratively support our wildlife. It is a platform for them to learn, contribute and make a difference. 

By supporting this project, you are directly supporting the Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation Inc give guidance to the next generation to protect and provide advocacy for our wildlife. 

Your support will enable the trip by covering basic transportation and ground costs;

Fuel expenses for our volunteer team to travel from across Queensland to remote areas in Far North Queensland;
Food expenses for our team while on location;
Basic camping equipment to accommodate our team;
Basic recording equipment to document and scope out the research area;
Expenses for travel from Brisbane to Cairns for planning with the team;
Development of a dedicated website and blog for the project;
Project logo design;
Purchase tickets and provide training for 3 of our team to attend an upcoming wildlife conference in Cairns with a focus on 'crocodile conservation';

NB: **Participation is considered a donation from the staff who will attend the field trip. No funds at this stage of the project will be utilised to pay wages to any attending parties whatsoever.**

STAGE TWO of this project, to follow at a later date, will see research equipment purchased for the proposed long-term study together with our university partner. Operation Croc Camp will be established in 2014 to commence plans for a long-term scientific study of endemic 'at-risk' species, with crocodiles being the flagstone species of this project. 

Challenges and setbacks will surface upon the unsuccessful amount of funds being raised for this initial field trip. However, it is our team's collaborative belief, that this work is too important to dismiss when considering the rate of diminishing wildlife species throughout Australia, particularly in Far North Queensland. Therefore if this particular crowd- funding campaign is unsuccessful in reaching its target, we will continue to look at other grants and avenues available to assist us in establishing this important project. This however will delay the project and commencement of research on these properties which we do have a small window of access to outside of the wet season. We therefore hope that you will get behind this project to get it off the ground as soon as possible.