India, Sept. 29 -- Most of us probably know the feeling. You read a sad story about wildlife, feel bad, and keep scrolling. The Irwins, however, went another way. According to Australia Zoo, which lists Ironbark Station among its conservation properties, the zoo bought the 3,500 acres at Blackbutt, Queensland, in 1994. The property was purchased to restore dwindling koala habitat and boost koala numbers.

Steve and Terri didn't wait. They immediately planted 44,000 eucalyptus trees to begin what would be a pretty long process. Think of it like moving into an empty house. You would need food, a roof, and a way to get around before you can live there. Phillipa Beale, Karen Marsh and Kara Youngentob make a similar point in a 2022 report. Pre...