Jaunted

Since Irwin's fatal final expedition, his wife, Teri, has taken over maintaining the park with her children, Bindi and Bob, who are both riding continuing their father's legacy by playing a major role in the lectures and education.

If you aren't lucky enough to catch a few glimpses of the 'stars,' perhaps you will settle for the kangaroo open-range. It's here visitors may pet Australia's national animal or even pat a koala while it's in between sleeps and feeds.

This isn't your regular, look-at-wild-animals-behind-glass kind of zoo. The Crocodile Hunter was a staunch environmentalist and believed in "conservation through education," and this as much a learning experience as it is gawking at wild animals. In fact, junior rangers stroll around with un-caged animals and teach visitors of all ages about the critter, then allow a few pats in for some giggles.

This place has something for everyone with an entire exhibit devoted to Africa, Rainforest Aviary, Elephantasia and a Tiger Temple. With perfect weather almost year-round, the animals spend most of their time outside and think it's their natural habitat, so there's no waiting behind a fence for only a glimpse.

Well, hello there!

[Photos: Rayme Gorniak/Jaunted & rawfish]