"Croc Hunter" father receives payout

The father of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin is to receive almost £500,000 and a pension after severing ties with his son's famous zoo.

Under the agreement with Australia Zoo, Bob Irwin will receive an annual pension of about £47,132 a year, as well as a package worth more than £471,000, including a new home on a sprawling bush property.

Australian media have reported an ongoing rift between Mr Irwin and Steve's widow Terri over her plans to turn it into a Disney-style theme park.

The zoo was begun by Steve's father in northern Queensland state 36 years ago. In 2000 he handed it over to his son who turned it into a major tourist attraction.

Steve was killed in September 2006 when a stingray barb pierced his heart while he was filming a documentary.

Terri and the couple's daughter Bindi have vowed to continue his work on conservation and crocodile research.

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