See how this family won a trip to Australia to celebrate the birthday of Bindi Irwin.
RALEIGH -- A Raleigh family left this weekend on a dream trip to Australia, after winning a video contest for the Australia Zoo; the legacy of deceased crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.
Irwin’s family is carrying on his tradition at the zoo, and the Conleys get the honor of helping celebrate Irwin’s daughter Bindi’s birthday.
The video that Jared Conley and his family sent in had a special message for the Irwin family.
“To let them know what a great motivation they are and inspiration they are for conservation and for preserving the wildlife that surrounds us all,” said Jared, a vet at Falls Pointe Animal Hospital. The family also includes mom, Kellie, and kids Katlyn and Sean.
The family dog was a key actor in the Conley's winning video.
Irwin’s wife Terri and their daughter, Bindi, chose the final winner, with one particular moment starring family dog Sydney that won over Terri’s heart. Now, the Conley family is heading to Australia.
The two-week visit includes traveling across Australia, but 9-year-old Katlyn is most excited about Bindi’s ninth birthday party.
“She has inspired me,” said Katlyn, “and I really think she’s a really cool person.”
The Conleys said they plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef and a new whale watching program dedicated to Steve Irwin.
For more information about conservation here at home, click N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, N.C. Wildlife Federation, or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.