Animal Lover first, experienced Zookeepe

More information about this house sitter

I grew up in a pretty typical London suburb with goldfish, a guinea pig, and a duck. I always loved all wildlife, but it wasn't until I moved to New Zealand in 2011 that I really began to get involved with animals. In 2012 I started volunteering with the SPCA in Wellington; mostly walking dogs and cleaning. The walks took me around the perimeter of Wellington Zoo, and soon I had the idea to volunteer there too.
Once I got my Resident Visa, I decided to chuck in my office job and study Animal Management at Auckland Zoo with a view to becoming a zookeeper. To make ends meet, I worked at an Animal Shelter while I studied. After I qualified, I stayed on for a while, but I moved on to working as a conservation ranger around the country.
I'm qualified in animal management, including exotics and dangerous animals. This includes feeding, training, enrichment, and spotting potential health issues. In addition to experience with everything from parrots to tigers to elephants in zoos, I've also worked with dangerous impounded dogs of unknown character. I'm highly capable in monitoring and identifying animal behaviours across many species, and in the conscious intentionality required to build trust.
My field conservation background and hobby of wildlife photography have brought me into close contact with many wild species. I've had stingrays and eels nibble my boots at work, been a metre from a dozing fully grown leopard seal, and walked home to my bunk through gangs of penguins.
I love gardening and am particularly obsessed with composting. Whenever I have access to a garden, I start growing things. Don't get me started on NZ native species; we'll be here for hours.
I also hold a pet First Aid certificate, and am trained in the handling of agrichemicals.
I've plenty of house sits under my belt now (on Trusted Housesitters) and have had great feedback. It's a great way to experience new places like a local. Read more...