I have been fascinated by reptiles and other exotic animals since the age of six, keeping and breeding bred many species through the years. My first encounter with a grass snake that my cat caught led to a lifetime's interest.
I have made a career working with these beautiful animals since the mid 1980s and spent a number of years lecturing about them and their care to students on small animal courses at agricultural colleges. This has led onto 20 years of displays for a very diverse range of audiences.
I started by doing educational talks linked to the national curriculum. Due to demand and recommendation the range of groups I now talk to has become very varied and extensive.
I explain the origins of the fear that many people have of these animals and give the audience the opportunity to overcome those fears by touching the animals.