Wildlife Warrior and Billion Dollar Businesswoman

Almost 35 years ago, Gertrude Boyle was told her Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear Company was virtually bankrupt, but she might be able to sell it for $US1400.

She had been running the business for a cuple of years after the death of her husband in 1970, her only previous experience being the monthly ritual of throwing all the bills that were due across the living room and paying the one that flew the furthest.

Not only did she decide not to sell up, the woman known across the US as "Mother Boyle" has turned the business into a $1 billion-a-year operation, earning a place in Working Woman Magazine's Top 50 woman business owners list four times.

Now 83, Mrs Boyle made her first visit to Australia Zoo last week to announce her appointment as the second US ambassador for Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. The other is Khaliah Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali.

But while it was Mrs Boyle's first visit, her new role is certainly not her first involvement with the conservation organisation founded by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

Columbia Sportswear has provided complete uniforms for all Wildlife Warriors staff since its public launch in April 2006.

"Conservation is very dear to my heart, but the only organisations or causes I get involved with are ones I'm convinced are very worthwhile." Mrs Boyle said.

Despite her age, the octogenarian said she had no plans to step down as the chairman of the company.

Columbia Sportswear, which sells a wide range of products in Australia, is regarded as a world leader in innovation.

Mrs Boyle said the company's new range of clothing with built-in sun protection was the first to be endorsed by the Cancer Council.

But she wasn't taking credit for the new products.

"We've got a wonderful group of young visionaries in the company who work hard to come up with new ideas. It's been one of the keys to our success."

Steve Francia, executive manager of Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, said: "The synergies between the company and its products and Wildlife Warriors is pretty clear. We're both all about the outdoors and being tough and resilient."