About Us

RANGER DAN

HOMETOWN : TOWNSVILLE, QLD AUSTRALIA FAVOURITE ANIMALS : SALTWATER CROCODILE, GECKOS, FROGS INTERESTS : WILDLIFE SPOTTING AND PHOTOGRAPHY, FISHING, 4WD

Born and raised in Townsville, Ranger Dan has always loved animals, and started keeping pet reptiles when he was just 11 years old. In fact Bluey the blue tongue lizard and KT the carpet python, Dan's first pet reptiles, are still starring in our Hands on Wildlife shows today!

He began his career in Townsville, where he soon became a favourite with both locals and tourists. Since 1999 he has been providing thrilling animal experiences for all ages. Throughout his career Dan has specialised in working with venomous snakes and large crocodiles. He was able to utilise this experience when he had the opportunity to work with alligators, cobras, and mambas, and other exciting animals in the Untied States at the Houston Zoo. Known for his cheeky wit, combined with broad-ranging expert knowledge, Ranger Dan is a born entertainer, outgoing, charismatic, and totally dedicated to sharing his passion for wildlife.

JACKIE

HOMETOWN : HOUSTON, TEXAS USA FAVOURITE ANIMALS : PALM COCKATOO, SEA LIONS, WOMBATS INTERESTS : ANIMAL TRAINING, KAYAKING

Jackie has always been passionate about wildlife. From a very early age she knew that she wanted to spend her life working with animals. She has a special interest in training animals and her career has focused on this since 1998. During her career Jackie has had the change to work with Polar bears, beluga whales, macaws, eagles, clouded leopards, and otters. Jackie spent over four years training sea lions and other animals at the Houston Zoo in her home state of Texas. She brought those skills back to Australia where she has been working with parrots, birds of prey, and mammals, teaching them to perform their instinctive behaviours on cue.

Starting Hands on Wildlife offers new and exciting challenges for Jackie. She focuses on raising and training all of the new animals, including our new wombat Dozer. Jackie is responsible for making sure all of the animals at Hands on Wildlife are friendly and that they are comfortable getting touched and held by lots of people. Despite the late night and early morning feeds, she is always ready to entertain and educate children of all ages.

OUR ANIMALS PAGE COMING SOON!