Bob Irwin Explains Decision To Quit Australia Zoo

"I honestly don't believe Steve minds where I am," Mr Irwin told the ABC, according to excerpts released this morning. "I think he'd be more than content as long as he knows that I'm continuing with the work that he'd want me to continue with. As long as I keep pushing his message to the people, and that's what I hope to do."

 "If I can live the rest of my life out doing what Steve would want me to do and do that successfully, then I'll be prepared to go and shake hands with him again," Mr Irwin said.

He paid tribute to his son as inspiring, and who hid much "pain and suffering" while performing well in front of the media.

"To be perfectly honest, the media frightens me," he said. "I would much rather catch crocodiles than sit here and talk to the camera."

Mr Irwin founded the zoo in 1970, before handing control of it to his son and daughter-in-law in 1992. It subsequently changed its name and grew massively after Steve Irwin became internationally famous through the Crocodile Hunter television series. There are now plans for a further expansion, adding a hotel, a railway station and "megafauna" to its Sunshine Coast site.

Mr Irwin said his decision to leave was taken after a lot of thought because it affected a lot of people, including staff at the zoo - at which he appeared to take a dig.

"I believe that your staff are your best asset. They are the greatest asset you've got. If you haven't got good staff, then you haven't got a good business," he said.

"I still firmly believe that even though it's better for me and for [wife] Judy to start our new move on the property, it's also better for Australia Zoo not to have a disruptive influence."

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