Reptiles
The Crocodile/Reptile Department at Australia Zoo looks after over 100 animals. We have three different species - Saltwater Crocodiles, Freshwater Crocodiles and American Alligators and lots more reptilian friends. There are over 35 enclosures to look after, including large natural lagoons full of large wild captive crocs, and new state-of-the-art waterholes where we can control the temperature, PH levels and water levels of these naturalistic clear waterholes. The clear waterholes give the guests coming to the Zoo a bird's eye view of the natural behavior of the crocodiles living in them.
The Crocs/Reptiles Department is also heavily involved in the Crocodile Rescue Unit (CRU) and the International Crocodile Rescue Unit (ICRU). Some of the rescues have been carried out in East Timor, Vanuatu and Turtle Head Island, North Queensland.
The Croc Department is also involved in research of wild populations of Fresh- and Saltwater Crocodiles. We survey rivers, estuaries, and waterholes and count, tag, measure, weigh and release crocodiles. We also trap large Saltwater Crocodiles, some measuring up to five metres, and attach radio trackers and satellite trackers as a further study into the secret life of the Saltwater Crocodile.
No day is the same for this team. One day you might be performing a wildlife show to educate guests about how to safely coexist with these animals in the wild, and the next day you might be overseas or in some remote part of Australia working with animals in their natural habitat. Whatever we are doing, you can be sure that Crocs/Reptile crew have the best job in the world!
Dave with Jade the Green Python
Dave
Supervisor of Reptiles
Dave has been working with animals for over 10 years but only joined the Australia Zoo reptile crew in 2006 and was lucky enough to walk straight into his dream job as a reptile keeper.
Dave’s extensive knowledge and positive hard working attitude had been a huge bonus to our team. Dave's favourite animal at the zoo is Pamela, a coastal taipan because she is just gorgeous.
In his spare time Dave enjoys herping, bird watching, camping and photography. He also looks forward to hanging out with his two boys, Noah & Heath who also love anything that moves.
Richard with one of his many, many rad reptile friends, a gorgeous Blue-tongue Lizard
Richard
Keeper
Now here is a man that loves not only the big reptiles but also the small stuff, right down to the smallest skink. In fact, Richard even has a soft spot for frogs as well.
Every holiday revolves around a herpetology trip and despite his quiet nature, Richard is in there with the rest of us to help conserve our Australian wildlife. From jumping on Saltwater Crocodiles to rescuing joey kangaroos, Richard is in it for the wildlife.
Bruce and Fatboy the Komodo Dragon - a dream come true!
Bruce
Keeper
Bruce grew up in Ireland but moved to Australia after meeting his lovely Aussie wife. Despite St. Patrick’s best efforts, Bruce grew up with a passion for snakes, and what better country to move to than the land of snakes?
Bruce started at the Zoo in 2005 working in the Birds Department for 10 months before his dream of being a reptile keeper became reality. Bruce is a very passionate hard worker and an absolute pleasure to have on the team. Bruce's favourite animal at the zoo is Fat Boy, our beautiful Komodo Dragon because he is an awesome predator.
In his spare time Bruce enjoys fishing, bushwalking, camping, hanging out with his wife Tracey and two daughters Lily and Amber.
Lisa just loves her job as a reptile keeper.
Lisa
Keeper
Lisa moved to Queensland from Adelaide with the hopes of getting her dream job at Australia Zoo, and in April 2008 she achieved her dream!
For her first three months Lisa worked alongside our furry friends in the mammals department before transferring to our more scaly friends in reptiles, and she has been there ever since.
Lisa has a real passion for working with all the animals but especially loves the Komodo Dragons, Rhino Iguanas and Aldabran Tortoises. You may see Lisa presenting our amazing snakes in the Crocoseum Wildlife Warrior Show or in the photo studio putting really big pythons on our patrons to have their photo taken.
"I work with an awesome team and hope I stay with the Zoo for many years to come!"
Chris
Chris
Keeper
Chris came to work at Australia Zoo in May 2012 following 5 years previously working with sharks at Seaworld on the Gold Coast.
Working in our reptiles department is a dream come true for Chris because his favourite animal is the crocodile. Chris says that he has been obsessed with crocs since he was a kid because of their brutal power mixed with terrifying stealth. This makes crocs an animal to be respected an admired.
Dee
Dee
Keeper
Dee joined the Australia Zoo reptile department in October 2011 to get a greater understanding of our amazing animals and why conservation is so important. Her favourite animal is the Komodo dragon as they are such a unique and beautiful animal. When she is not working, Dee can be found swimming, kayaking, herping and reading.
Harrison hanging out with the birds in our wetlands!
Harrison
Keeper
Hi, I'm Harrison and I am very fortunate to call myself one of the members of the Reptile's crew at Australia Zoo. I have been working at the Zoo since October 2009 and have loved every minute of it.
I love the entire Reptile's department here at Australia Zoo. It is an amazing opportunity to work at the Zoo; no day is ever the same. Every day I am challenged with new things and I look forward to coming to work every day.
In my spare time I like to just relax and listen to some music. I also like to go camping and 4WD with my mates.
Inga gets up close and personal with one of our slithery stars in the wildlife photo studio.
Inga
Keeper
Inga has always wanted to work at Australia Zoo and following the completion of her university studies, she joined our birds team in June 2010.
Inga says that being a keeper at AZ is her dream job as she loves working with the amazing team here and being a part of our conservation efforts.
Inga is now expanding her animal knowledge working with the Reptiles team here at Australia Zoo.
Inga enjoys going to the beach, drawing and reading in her spare time.
Stuart with one of Australia Zoo's gorgeous gators!
Stuart
Keeper
Joining Australia Zoo in February 2013 Stuart has always been interested in reptiles big and small. Stuart says that he loves how unique and unpredictable they are.
Outside of work Stuart likes to go camping to track and observe reptiles in their natural environment, he even went as far as Komodo Island to see the Komodo Dragons.
The Departments
With thousands of visitors from all over the world passing through the gates daily, all team members understand the importance of making a lasting impression to our patrons. A job at Australia Zoo is more than a vocation, it's a lifestyle - just ask any of our team members. Australia Zoo employees love animals and conservation, have an exceptional self-drive attitude towards work and of course, wear the world famous khaki uniforms with pride! You just have to walk around the Zoo to feel the electricity in the air. The atmosphere creates an exciting experience for all visitors and a dream workplace environment for all employees.
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