ZOO CREW

Wes getting up close and personal during a croc feed

Wes

Director

Wes has had a passion for reptiles since he was young, and in his early teens moved to the Sunshine Coast and
discovered Australia Zoo (then known as the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park). At the time the facility had only one other employee outside of the Irwin family and in 1988 Wes became the second full-time employee. Starting as a volunteer whilst still at school, Wes' love of reptiles (especially snakes) and his get up-and-go attitude led to a natural progression of becoming not only Steve's right hand man, but also his best mate. All over the world Wes assisted Steve with wildlife rescues and documentary filming. Like peas in a pod these two were always up to something, and you can bet it generally had something to do with reptiles! Today, Wes is the Director of Australia Zoo and the Chairman of Wildlife Warriors (Australia Zoo's wildlife charity).

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Frank with Arjuna the Bengal Tiger cub

Frank

General Manager

As the General Manager of Australia Zoo there is never ever a dull moment or a moment's peace for Frank. It is his job to keep all things on the administration front running smoothly - not an easy task for a place that employs over 500 people! Somehow though he manages it, and thank goodness he does - we don't know what we'd do without him!

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Kelsey's always on the go, just like this gorgeous woma python!

Kelsey

Curator

Kelsey started at Australia Zoo (then known as the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park) as a school based volunteer and general keeper aged just 14 years. She was handpicked by Steve Irwin to join the original Australia Zoo team, when there were only two employees! While goannas are her favourite animal, venomous snakes and crocodiles hold a special interest for her...and are a tonne of fun! As Australia Zoo continued to grow, so did her job. Kelsey is now Head Curator of Australia Zoo and is full of enthusiasm, always ready to take on any task at hand! It's a big job running a zoo with over 1200 animals, and there is never a dull moment to be had - Kelsey is constantly on the go, overseeing the extensive animal keeping team.

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Stuart with one of our baby alligators

Stuart

Building Services Manager/Project Manager

Stuey has been here at the Zoo since 1996 and in that time he's done a bit of everything, from working with the birds Department, helping with croc captures or assisting with crocs at the Zoo. In his spare time Stuart likes to go fishing, enjoys birds and loves Star Wars, but most of all enjoys spending time with his son Zac.

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Jodie still has a soft spot for those unique Australians, the marsupials... including Minibus the Common Wombat!

Jodie

Assistant Director

This woman is not for the faint-hearted. Although her background with wildlife began relatively recently when she first came to Australia Zoo back in 1997, she sure took it on boots and all. Beginning as head of the Mammals Department, Jodie continues to have a special love for the marsupials at the Zoo and having hand-raised a Tasmanian Devil or two in her time, those furry black and white handfuls are still her favourites. Being married to Wes and having a son, these days Jodie is even busier but still manages time to be Assistant Director at the Zoo.

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Amanda with Tula & Jinki the Tasmanian Devils

Amanda

Assistant Curator

Amanda first came to the Zoo as a volunteer in 2001 and after a short stint of volunteering she gave up the glamorous lifestyle as a dental assistant to join the Native Mammals team as an animal keeper in 2002.

By October 2002 Amanda was appointed Head Keeper of the Mammals team where she oversaw the entire workings of the department. From organising her staff to wrangling Kangaroos, Amanda has always given everything 110%. One of her proudest achievements during her time as head keeper has been the hand raising of the Tasmanian Devils. She still shares a very special bond with all the Natives, and can't resist the opportunity to sneak in a cuddle with one of the Tassie's or Wombats whenever she gets the chance.

Amanda's dedication to the animals under her care and to her staff has always been a number one priority for her. Over the years Amanda has seen her job responsibilities grow including assisting the Director, Assistant Director and Curator to ensure that all of the keeping staff, their animals and exhibits are well cared for. Although Native Mammals are still her number one passion, she has handed over the reigns and now fulfils the role of Assistant Curator.

 

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Brian with Brutus the American Alligator

Brian

Retail Manager

Brian is the Retail Manager at Australia Zoo. He came to the Zoo after 24 years employment with Coles-Myer in various management positions. Brian thinks his Australia Zoo retail team is one of the most dedicated teams he has ever worked with. Brian's number one priority is excellent customer service and product development. He must be on the right track because since Brian has joined the Zoo team, Australia Zoo Retail has taken out the Queensland Tourism Award in 2005 and 2006! Brian has also expanded the number of Australia Zoo gift shops from two to six. This included the Zoo's first external retail outlet at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.

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Susan loves giving the dingoes kisses and cuddles!

Susan

Customer Service Manager

Susan started at Australia Zoo in September 2003 working in Admissions. From there, Susan took on the challenging and exciting role of overseeing the Crocoseum opening with the Crocoseum Hosts.

These days you are most likely to catch Susan out and about in the Zoo grounds. With over 70 acres there sure are a lot of areas that Susan checks on during her daily rounds, ensuring 5 star customer service is being delivered to all our patrons. Susan loves that she has the opportunity to work closely with both our customers and animals.

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Anthony grazing with the wombats

Anthony

Retail Project Manager

Anthony has been with the Australia Zoo family for over four and a half years and has had a couple of different roles over the time. He began his journey in our Concierge Department, meeting and greeting guests as they arrived. After two years, he moved into Admissions as a supervisor, and has spent the last three years managing the Crocoseum Boutique. Anthony has now moved into the exciting new role of Retail Project Manager.

Anthony loves what he does and enjoys ensuring that every guest's shopping experience is great. His favourite animals at the Zoo are by far the wombats!

Anthony’s most memorable experience is attending the Australian Tourism Awards, where our fantastic retailers won their category – Best Tourism Retailing. Be sure to pop in and say hello to the team next time you're visiting the Zoo!

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