Steve Blanchard, Zoo Keeper
Melbourne Zoo
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Which animals do you work with?
I've been a zookeeper for 15 years now. I have worked with reptiles, Australian native mammals, seals, and am currently working with elephants.
How did you get in to Zookeeping as a profession?
After studying at university in New Zealand I began as a volunteer at the Australian Reptile Park, NSW. This soon turned to full-time work and I remained there for just over 3 years. I took a position at Melbourne Zoo in 1997.
What's the best thing about your job?
Feeling my relationship with the elephants grow.
What has been the wildest moment of your career so far?
Several things come to mind! Being bitten by a Tiger snake during a public milking presentation at the reptile park, being part of moving the reptile park from Gosford to Somersby, and, finally, living with Melbourne Zoo's elephants for 10 months during their quarantine period in Thailand and Cocos Island.