Rusty and Terri's zoo dream

Russell Crowe and Terri Irwin are reportedly getting ready to take Australia Zoo overseas, with plans to expand to the US!

The long time friends, who have been romantically linked over the last couple of months, are said to have had the $250 million project reviewed by development officials in California, according to New Idea.

Russell Crowe and Terri Irwin. Source: Getty Images.
Russell Crowe and Terri Irwin. Source: Getty Images.

The publication adds Russell has been encouraging Terri to "expand her Australia Zoo empire", and was the first to suggest the mother-of-two develop another zoo in Clovis on the outskirts of Los Angeles, a long way from the original establishment on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Coming off the back of Bindi Irwin's prize-winning appearance on US Dancing with the Stars, taking their wildlife conservation message to the US seemed like a "natural choice".

"Everyone loves and knows the Irwin family in America - they're almost as famous as the Kennedys!" an insider tells the mag.

Will we see an Australia Zoo in the US?! Source: Getty
Will we see an Australia Zoo in the US?! Source: Getty
Terri's late husband Steve Irwin was the Crocodile Hunter. Source: Getty
Terri's late husband Steve Irwin was the Crocodile Hunter. Source: Getty

"Russell really encouraged Terri with the whole project. He know how much conservation and wildlife education means to her and wanted to help her take the Australia Zoo dream global."

With plans that the new zoo will rival some of America's biggest theme parks, the source added the Oscar winner is giving the project his "full attention", with his passion for wildlife and local fauna evident in recent social media posts.

Be has reached out to Terri and Russell's reps for further comment.

RELATED: Russell laughs off Terri romance talk

RELATED: Russell and Terri Irwin 'prepare to go public with relationship'

Despite ongoing rumours he has been dating Terri since the start of the year, Russell recently took to social media to rubbish the persistent reports joking that people think he lead such a "dramatic life".

The 52-year-old actor broke his silence about the whispers he's dating late Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin's wife, by posting a message on his Twitter account insisting the gossip is "bs".

Bindi, Robert and Terri at Queenland's Australia Zoo. Source: Getty
Bindi, Robert and Terri at Queenland's Australia Zoo. Source: Getty

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram