Late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s widow Terri denies reports she plans to sell his Australian zoo and return to her native U.S.

Terri says media reports claiming she plans to sell the zoo he founded on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to US-based investors are untrue. She says, “I’ll never leave. I love Australia and I’m doing my best to be a fair dinkum Aussie sheila and honor all of Steve’s work and yeah, I’ll be here the rest of my life. “There have been so many rumors about so many things and I have no idea where they all come from but I can assure everyone that the conservation work that we’re doing in Australia will continue and will certainly have a global impact but we’re not leaving and we love Australia and everybody here.” Irwin also plays down reports she hopes to turn the wildlife conservation site into a theme park.

She adds, “I don’t know about rides but there will sure be a lot more animals, more mega-fun and more hands-on experiences and we’ll remain the unique experience for zoological facilities and wildlife hospitals expanding, everything we’re doing is just going to get bigger and better.” Irwin died in September 2006 when he was stabbed in the heart with a stingray barb.

WENN