Open 7 Days from 9am to 4pm
Bob and Del built Billabong Sanctuary from the ground up, starting from a bare paddock and developing the park into an award-winning eco-tourism attraction [more info here].
Through the years they’ve both remained actively involved in all aspects of the operation of their family-owned business, from frying chips to feeding crocs.
These days Bob & Del enjoy well-earned retirement behind the scenes, but are still very much involved in decision making, and encouraging and supporting the work of the whole team.
Cam has had a wealth of business experience in running companies, staff & financial management, governance and compliance, customer service and strategic planning. However, he’s not one to just sit behind a desk – when he’s not doing paperwork, you’re likely to find him out in the park, tools in hand, refurbishing enclosures and cleaning up the grounds.
Joining us just after Cyclone Kirrily ripped through the park, Cameron hit the ground running, manning the chainsaw and clearing up alongside the rest of the team. He quickly developed a feel for our staff, history and culture and is keen to help grow the business and to enhance the unique Billabong experience for visitors, staff and animals.
Our Rangers are an incredibly talented mob, ferociously dedicated to wildlife conservation. They come from diverse backgrounds, but all are passionate about working in their ‘dream job’ caring for our native wildlife and sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Everyone has a hand in the day-to-day care of the park: raking paths, cleaning enclosures, preparing special food for each animal, conducting tours, and presenting the daily shows. In addition, all have extra responsibilities according to their special interests and talents.
Ray started his zookeeping career as a volunteer at the former Cairns Wildlife Safari, where he soon found himself caring for the big cats, hand-feeding cheetahs, tigers and lions. His love affair with these magnificent creatures continued at ZooDoo in Tasmania. Initially employed there as Senior Keeper, Ray was soon promoted to Park Manager.
As Curator here at Billabong Sanctuary, Ray is responsible for the overall management of our entire collection of native animals, ensuring they are given the best possible care in accordance with industry standards. He coordinates all the licenses, permits, welfare accreditation and new species acquisitions.
As the Senior Ranger, Alex oversees all departments and staff training. An expert herpetologist, she not only feeds our mighty estuarine crocodiles, but presents the venomous snake show during school holidays.
Alex also has a fondness for birds and cherishes the special relationships formed with them, particularly with Richie the blue and gold macaw and Cinder the red-tailed black-cockatoo.
After graduating with a degree in Wildlife Science from University of Queensland, Boen spent several months caring for koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.
Working as a general ranger here at Billabong Sanctuary, Boen welcomed the opportunity to expand his knowledge of our native animals, and is even qualified to feed our mighty estuarine crocodiles!
As of October last year, Boen is now Team Leader of the Mammal Department, specializing in the welfare of all of our furry friends.
Summa joins us from Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. During her time there she completed her TAFE Cert III in Wildlife & Exhibited Animal Care.
Here at Billabong Sanctuary Summa is gaining experience working with all our animals, and hopes in time to specialize in the care of our birds.
Originally from Warnambool in Victoria, Bas has done extensive field research in behavioural ecology of Australian fur seals, diving birds and others, both here and in the UK.
Working with captive animals has been a new experience for him, and he looks forward to learning how their behaviour can contribute to conservation strategies for native animals in the wild.
Popular with tour groups, and especially school classes and Junior Rangers, his wildlife talks promise to be both engaging and educational.
Ellie earned a Master’s degree in Zoology from Leeds in the UK. She did field work over there studying bats, and is particularly interested in the ecological impacts of climate change.
Here at Billabong Sanctuary Ellie is keen to gain experience working with all of our native Australian animals, including the estuarine crocodiles! As well as presenting wildlife talks, she is a popular tour leader with visiting school groups.
Reece holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Tourism Management and a Certificate in Wild Captive Animal Management.
Over 3 years he volunteered and worked as a mammals keeper at Wellington Zoo, where he cared for a variety of species, including small carnivores and both Australian and exotic mammals such as Tasmanian devils, dingoes, kangaroos, red pandas, and otters.
At Billabong Sanctuary, Reece’s primary focus will be on caring for the diverse bird collection. He is especially excited to work with cockatoos and cassowaries and looks forward to the opportunity to care for wombats and greater bilbies.
With experience working with crocodilians in Rockhampton and a short stint in Darwin, Jakob honed his skills in catching, handling, nest raiding, and providing top-notch care for these apex predators.
Now taking on a ranger role in Townsville, Jakob is excited to share his expertise—mentoring his fellow rangers with the tips and tricks he’s learned and educating the public on how to stay safe in croc country.
While his passion lies with crocodilians and other reptiles, he’s also eager to expand his knowledge and learn from his fellow rangers about caring for a variety of species.
Jeyn started her zookeeping career at Australia Reptile Park, caring for spiders! She tended their colony of thousands of funnel-webs, milking them every day for their venom.
Jeyn’s real love is reptiles and she moved on to work with them both in NSW and up in Cairns. Here at Billabong her favourite is Duke the black-headed python.
You’ll love the joyful passion that Jeyn brings to her wildlife talks: not to be missed!
Nic has packed a lot of excitement into his life so far: he studied big cats (and little meerkats) in Africa, worked at a koala rehabilitation centre, and spent 8 years in the military!
Now in second year Veterinary Science studies at JCU, he still finds time to join us as a casual ranger. Be sure to catch his wildlife talks- they reflect his depth of experience and passion for wildlife conservation, and are delightfully entertaining.
Having had a passion for reptiles since he was a kid, Nick first joined us as a work experience student, spending one day a week as a volunteer. He’s recently graduated from high school (Congratulations!) so we are delighted to welcome him on board as a casual ranger.
With our support, Nick is working towards his TAFE Cert III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care. This will be his passport to a career in zookeeping. With his depth of knowledge and his winning ways with visitors, we predict he will be a great success.
Megan is currently studying a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Zoology and Ecology, as well as Aquaculture Science and Technology, at JCU. She also holds diplomas in Conservation and Land Management, Horticulture, and Biological Science.
With six years of experience in horticulture, Megan is excited to transition into the field of conservation as a casual Ranger.
She has a special fondness for echidnas and values every opportunity to spend time with them. She is also eager to expand her knowledge of reptiles and bird behavior.
Team leader Mellee and her co-workers comprise our hard-working front-of-house team. They answer the phones and welcome visitors with a friendly smile and tips on making the most of their day.
From Blinky Bill’s Café they serve a tempting array of snacks and meals to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. The team will also fire up the barbecue to cater for tour groups, parties and school excursions.
Mellee keeps the Gift Shop stocked with a variety of wildlife-themed souvenirs and gifts for the folks back home and also coordinates bookings for school groups.
Overall, her team complements the work of the Rangers to ensure everyone who comes through the door enjoys the best possible time in our native wildlife sanctuary.
