Ford Performance Racing’s Steve Richards and Mark Winterbottom have wasted no time in getting back behind the wheel following last weekend’s seventh round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

The pair started the 2007 FPR Queensland Road Trip, which has been designed to create awareness of Wildlife Warriors, at the Australian Wildlife Hospital adjacent to Australia Zoo near Beerwah this morning.

Wildlife Warriors is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 2002, initially by Steve and Terri Irwin, as a way to include and involve other caring people to support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species.

During the launch of the trip Winterbottom and Richards checked out the Wildlife Hospital had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a couple of the current patients, a carpet python named Ashley and koala bear his Carson.

“Wildlife Warriors is all about engaging the community and I believe Mark and Steve will be great ambassadors during this road trip,” said Wildlife Warriors Executive Manager Steve Francia.

“It was a pleasure to have them visit the hospital today, hopefully they gained a real appreciation of the Wildlife Warriors program and we look forward to hearing all about the road trip throughout the week.”

While on site the pair also saw the progress of the world’s largest animal hospital, which is currently in the planning process to be incorporate Orrcon product and expected to be completed in early 2008.

“It was good to see the animal hospital up close and it really gives you a new appreciation of the work which goes into helping sick and injured wildlife,” said Winterbottom.

“The staff at Wildlife Warriors do a tremendous job helping a variety of wildlife get back to health and I’m glad that we are able to create further awareness of their program through this road trip.”

Throughout the remaining five days of the trip Winterbottom and Richards will conduct public appearances in Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville.

“There are a couple of good reasons for the trip, one is to create awareness of Wildlife Warriors and the other is to meet many of the V8 fans across North Queensland,” said Richards.

“I was very impressed by the animal hospital this morning, it certainly opened my eyes into what goes into helping the sick and injured wildlife back to their normal habitat.

“Over the next five days we will be stopping at a number of towns between here and Townsville, including Bundaberg this afternoon followed by Gladstone tomorrow morning and Rockhampton tomorrow afternoon.”

Throughout day one of the trip Winterbottom and Richards dropped in to meet Orrcon stockists and Castrol customers in Gympie, Maryborough and Bundaberg before conducting a public autograph session at Coral Coast Ford in Bundaberg.

The 2007 FPR Road Trip traveled to Gladstone this evening to prepare for tomorrow’s activities which consist of a public autograph session at Reef City Ford between 8am and 10am before visiting Orrcon stockists and Castrol customers throughout the day. Day two of the trip will culminate in a public autograph session at the Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton at 5:30pm – 6:30pm.

2007 FPR QUEENSLAND ROAD TRIP APPEARANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday July 24 – Gladstone - Rockhampton
8:00am – 10:00am
Reef City Ford
1 Benaraby Drive
GLADSTONE

5:30pm – 6.30pm
Great Western Hotel
Cnr Stanley & Denison Streets
ROCKHAMPTON

Wednesday July 25 – Rockhampton - Mackay
5:00pm – 6.00pm
Frendeley Motors
21 Nelson Street
MACKAY

Friday July 27 - Townsville
11:00am
Media Opportunity (Details TBC)
Townsville CBD

1:00pm – 2.45pm
Carmichael Ford
77 Charters Towers Road
TOWNSVILLE

Saturday July 29 - Townsville
10:00am – 2:00pm
Jupiters Townsville
Details Public autograph session and V8 Supercar fan day

FACTS ABOUT WILDLIFE WARRIORS
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd was established in 2002, initially by Steve and Terri Irwin, as a way to include and involve other caring people to support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species. Terri remains involved as patron and significant supporter and advisor, but the charity now operates independently.

Wildlife Warriors Worldwide's Objectives
- To protect and enhance the natural environment
- To provide information and education to the public and raise awareness of wildlife issues
- To undertake biological research
- To research, recommend and act in the protection of threatened or endangered species.
- To enter into cooperative arrangements with like-minded organisations

Wildlife Warrior Programs and Projects (2007)
- New Australian Wildlife Hospital to be constructed
- Species and Habitat Conservation ( Asia)
- Crocodile Rescue and Research (International)
- Community Education (International)
- Emergency Wildlife Response

Tax Deductions on Donations
Australia - Listed on the Register of Environmental Organisations
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

USA - 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to it are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Administration Costs
Through the support of Australia Zoo (major sponsor) Wildlife Warriors administration costs are covered, allowing 100% of donated funds to be applied to wildlife programs.

Structure
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Worldwide Ltd is a company limited by guarantee, with a Board of Directors and Management Committee determining the organisation's activities.