Which reptiles do you look after at Perth Zoo?
Snakes, crocodiles, monitors, lizards, turtles, tortoises, frogs – you name it. If it’s cold-blooded, I look after it.
How did you start your career in nature conservation?
I was always fascinated by animals. My favourite pastime as a kid was watching wildlife documentaries. Then, about ten years ago, I signed up as a volunteer at Australia Zoo in Queensland. That’s where I worked with Steve Irwin and fell in love with reptiles.
Why reptiles?
They are totally misunderstood, mainly because they are not cute and cuddly.
What inspires you about reptiles?
Inspiration is not really the word – fascination is more like it. They are just so different to other animals – the way they eat, the way they sleep, the way they can go without food for ages. That’s what makes them so unique. But they do inspire me to do something which I think is vitally important – to change some deep-seated misconceptions about reptiles. I want to make people realise that they are not evil. Like most animals, snakes will leave you alone if you leave them alone. Get into their space and they will defend themselves. Why blame them for that?
How does Perth Zoo help you as a nature conservationist?
Through the Zoo, I am able to take part in field work and breeding programs. By having contact with animals in the wild, I feel part of the bigger picture. In my own small way, I am actually helping to perpetuate species which is the most rewarding part of my work. Then, as a keeper at the Zoo, I am in direct contact with the general public. This gives me a golden opportunity to address some of those misconceptions I was talking about earlier. By educating people, I hope it will give them a better understanding of the wonderful world of reptiles.
What, in your view, is the biggest issue with nature conservation in Australia?
The biggest issues are habitat loss and the havoc created by feral animals like Cane Toads, and cats and foxes to name but a few.
Cane Toads, in particular, are the scourge of the Kimberley in the north-west. I spend a few weeks there every year on the Great Toad Muster, organised by the Stop the Toad Foundation, to help stop the invasion of millions of Cane Toads. The toads are highly poisonous and are preyed on by snakes, lizards, crocodiles and quolls which die from trying to eat poisonous cane toads. Cane Toads are having a serious impact on the ecosystem up there. It’s another reason why I like working for Perth Zoo: they are happy to give me time off to go and do my bit.
Along with donating to or fundraising for Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action fund, what can individuals do to help the nature conservation cause?
Become a volunteer. There are many ways people can become involved through clubs and fauna surveys. If you want to become involved, a bit of research on the internet including the Perth Zoo website will quickly point you in the right direction.
If you want to get involved in conservation, learn how Perth Zoo can help. Visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Act
Find out more about the conservation organisations which our featured staff support.
Photos courtesy of Phil England and Brendan.
