ZOO CREW

Kirsten cuddles up in the wildlife photo studio

Kirsten

Department Supervisor

Kirsten joined our busy Native Mammals crew in July 2012 following 6 years experince at Cairns Tropical Zoo with Native & Exotic Mammals.  Before moving into the captive animal industry, Kirsten had spent 12 years in the Royal Australian Navy.

Kirsten joined the Koalas crew full time in December 2012 and loves getting hands on with our furry friends.

Kirsten is looking forward to working with the many different species that call Australia Zoo home.  Although she has no favourites yet, some highlights of Kirsten day job include getting hands on with our naughty wombats and cuddling our cute koalas.

Check out Luke with an awesome Blue and Gold Macaws. How cool is that!

Luke

Keeper

Luke has been working at Australia Zoo since June 2007 and he won his position after volunteering when he finished high school.  Luke was a long standing member of our free flight bird crew and his favourite animal is Amelio our Wedged Tailed Eagle.  In November 2012 Luke joined our busy koalas team but his passion for birds remains.

Luke absolutely loves his job and he also enjoys scuba diving, water skiing and horse riding.

Luke says he would encourage anyone who is interested in working with animals to volunteer as it is great fun and a good way to find out just what goes on behind the scenes of a world class Zoo.

Kristen

Kristen

Keeper

After volunteering here at Australia Zoo for 8 months, Kristen gained employment in October 2011 as part of our Koala department and loves having such an incredible job with amazing animals.

He doesn't have a favourite animal, believing that every animal is awesome in their own way. When he is not working, Kristen can be found camping, and playing or umpiring field hockey.

Leah cuddles one of our gorgeous koalas in the wildlife photo studio.

Leah

Keeper

With a history in the animal care field including vet nursing and native wildlife keeper in North QLD, Leah was a welcome addition to our Koalas crew when she gained employment in April 2012.

Tigers are her favourite animal at the zoo which Leah desctibes as majestic and amazing.  Tigers really need our help to survive in the wild and Leah is proud to work at Australia Zoo because of our tireless conservation efforts for Tigers and education of the public with hands on experiences.

When not at the zoo Leah enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 kids, studying to finish her uni degree in wildlife sciences and playing the drums.

Jack

Jack

Keeper

Jack joined Australia Zoo in 2009, he has worked in various animal departments around the zoo, including birds, mammals, elephants and reptiles.

Jacks favorite animals at the Zoo are the elephants, he loves wathcing the girls wether they are playing soccer, having ice blocks or going for a swim.

Jack hopes to travel overseas in the next few years to check out some wild elephants!

Outside of work Jacks hobbies include acting, exploring the bush and going to the beach.

Jack with one of our rascally red pandas!

Jack

Keeper

Jack joined Australia Zoo in October 2012! He started out at the zoo after volunteering and demonstrating his enthusiasm to work hard and his love for animals.

Jack has come to us from a career in the defense force, so his attention to detail and attitude towards working hard has allowed him to fit right in with the crew. Jack also helps out other keeping departments including our birds and native mammals, but is looking forward to building a relationship with the zoo's largest residents.

Jacks favorite animal at the zoo is the Red Panda!

Calyce with one of Australia Zoo's many reptiles

Calyce

Keeper

Calyce joined the Zoo Crew early 2013 and comes from a background of teaching music and drama. Her favourite aspect of working at Australia Zoo is the hands on experience with the animals.
Like many of our keepers Calyce does not have a favourite animal at the Zoo. She loves them all and finds it amazing how each animal has their own unique personality.
Calyce has travelled overseas following her passion for animals with her favourite experience walking Pumas in Bolivia.

Matt meets a python in the wildlife photo studio

Matt

Keeper

Matt became a leafcutter in our legendary koala crew in October 2011.

Brooke with one of our gorgeous gators.

Brooke

Keeper

Brooke joined the Australia Zoo family early 2013, she previously volunteered for the Zoo and was doing such a wonderful job we hired her.
Brooke's love of animals has fuelled her interest in animal conservation and working at Australia Zoo allows her to combine both of those interests.

Heath having a cuddle with one of Australia Zoo's many cute koalas.

Heath

Keeper

Heath joined the Khaki Crew in May 2013, he comes from a 15 year corporate background of Banking and Finance and craved a career change. A change he did get, his new position involves no office, no suit, no mobile phone, no computers. What it does involve is a lot of outdoor work and the joy of taking care of Australia's cutest and most cuddly animals.
Although Heath loves his job in the Koalas department his true passion lies with the Crocs and Snakes. He said "Growing up in North Queensland you learn quite quickly to appreciate these magnificent creatures"
Heath's most amazing animal experience was when he travelled to Kenya and visited the Elephant Orphanage and adopted a baby elephant for his daughter. He said "It is very rewarding to know how big of a difference such a little amount of money can make for an amazing creature"

Trent with one of our gorgeous gators!

Trent

Keeper

Trent started volunteering for Australia Zoo in early 2013 and not long after was offered employment after doing such an amazing job. Trent has done many different professions and is happy that he has finally found the job he loves.
Trent's favourite animals here at the Zoo are the elephants and describes his most amazing animal experience as happening the first time he met the girls Sabu and Bimbo.
Trent likes to spend his spare time surfing, reading or relaxing with his family.

Kerry with one of Australia Zoo's gorgeous gators!

Kerry

Keeper

Kerry joined the Khaki Crew March 2013 he originally kept himself busy as an apprentice shopfitter before doing a bit of travel. Once back in Australia he decided to do a bit of Volunteer work at Australia Zoo via our program and was such a good worker it wasn't long until he was offered employment.
Kerry's favourite animals at the Zoo are our Elephants. He loves how cheeky they can be towards each other and sees the elephants as typical sibling towards one another.
Outside of work Kerry enjoys the beach, playing sports and music.