Meet the Team

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Myles Baker | Chef in the Cafe |
I am 34. I was the head chef in Perth in a restaurant for 12 years then I
relocated to Darwin with my wife and 2 kids. We have been in Darwin for
4 months and we are expecting our 3rd childWhy I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
The people and the atmosphere, also the weather here is sensational.
It’s also a bit exciting working with reptiles such as crocs and snakes everyday.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Our new addition, the Pig nosed Turtles are pretty cute and I like how
their skin covers their shell. So they would be my favouriteIf you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Don’t put your hands in the cage with the crocodiles.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Dr Gavin Bedford | Herpetologist and Senior Reptile Handler |
Having caught my first snake at 3, my love for snakes and reptiles
blossomed and now is my life’s work. I have a PhD in Herpetology and
kept and bred many rare species of Australian reptiles, including the
first line of Albino Olive Pythons in Australia. I am also a member of
the Reptile One scientific advisory team.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I love being able to do what i love doing everyday and being paid for it.I shouldn’t have favourites but:
I honestly couldn’t chose just one, I love all reptiles.If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be:
Whatever you want to do, be passionate about it and work will be a place you want to go and not a place you have to be.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| John Dalton | Aquarium keeper/reptile handler |
I am 22 and have only moved to Darwin in mid 2011 ago from Katherine. I
love socializing, riding motor bikes and fishing with friends.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
There are so many reasons. The reptiles, the co-workers, the strange but
cool atmosphere I get to work in and I love meeting new people from
around the world and showing them about reptiles. Plus I am learning new
things everyday.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Central netted dragons, they’re pretty cute for dragons!!!If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Learn their animalistic instincts and then follow your own.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Alana de Laive | Reptile Keeper/Handler & Aquarium diver |
From the time I could walk I have always been interested in Reptiles,
and had my heart set on becoming a Zookeeper. I moved to Darwin 2 years
ago after I was lucky enough to be offered the job, but before that I
was working as a keeper at the Australian Reptile Park in N.S.W.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
When you’re doing something you love, it hardly feels like work at all! I
get to work with such an amazing range of animals, every day I learn
new things and face new challenges. It helps that my workmates are a
great bunch of people as well.I shouldn’t have favorites, but…:
I’ve always had a fascination for Rough scaled Pythons, and Knob tail
geckos. But it’s hard to go past the good old Frilled Neck Lizard, a
Top-End icon and a lizard with attitude! But shhhhh! like all good
parents the keepers here love all our children equally.If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be… :
Working with animals can be a competitive industry, but if you have the
passionate and determined, you have what it takes. Volunteer, read
reptile books and magazines and get involved anyway you can as a start.
But be prepared to get your hands dirty, there is no room for the
squeamish when working with scaly critters.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Natassja Goodier | Reptile Keeper/Guide |
I’m 16 years old and born and bred in Darwin. I currently attend Charles
Darwin University and am aiming to one day get a PHD in the reptile
industry! I’ve been working here nearly a year and a half and definitely
see myself pursuing my lifetime career in this direction.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I love working here because it’s such a friendly environment and we’re
like one big, scaly family! I love interacting with the public, learning
new things about all the animals and passing on all my knowledge to
everyone who comes (:I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Bearded Dragons! They’re so adorable and definitely have personality and 10/10 cuteness!If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Get as much experience as you can and certainly try to get your name out
there. Study things to do with biology and you can’t be scared of frogs
like me!

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Sarah Hosszu | Supervisor- Reptiles & Aquarium |
I’m a crow-eater originally but don’t hold that against me! I became a
Territorian 9 years ago, when my 6 month trip to Alice became a
permanent move! I was fortunate enough to land a job at the Alice
Springs Reptile Centre even though I couldn’t tell a Taipan from a
Children’s Python! From this generous job offer I was able to develop my
passion & knowledge for reptiles and I accepted my current position
4 years ago & it’s the best decision I’ve ever made!Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
Working in the largest display of Australian Reptiles for Australia’s
best herpetologist, with a team full of happy & friendly staff while
presenting the best critters in Australia to a whole range of people
who are on holidays or locals… What’s there not to like!I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Olive Pythons are great and the albino’s are the cream of the crop!If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be… :
Make sure khaki is your favourite colour!

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Wade Huffman | Photographer Department Owner and Croc Cove Activities Director |
Originally Canadian, I came to Darwin for one week. Fourteen years later I am still here. I love the small town feel that Darwin has to offer along with all of the small town friendliness that comes with that.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
Meeting so many people from so many different countries and helping people overcome their fear of reptiles is the thing I enjoy the most about working here.
As a Canadian, crocodiles are mythical creatures that strike fear in most people’s thoughts. When I go home to Canada, friends and family always ask me so many questions and wonder how I can work with such scary creatures. Very boyish I know, but I love it!!I shouldn’t have favorites, but…:
Chopper the 5.5 metre crocodile is huge and I love looking directly over the wall down his mouth when feeding him. I think “I could fit in there…. easily!”If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be… :
Do some volunteering at a reptile park or see if you can borrow a friend’s pet for a while. You’ve got to make sure you love them before making it your life’s work!

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Fay Karamanakis | Retail Supervisor |
I have been married for 40 years and have 3 children and 5
grandchildren. I have lived in Darwin for the past 50 years so I
consider myself a local but I was born in Athens Greece. I have spent 8
years in Tourism but have over 40 years experience in retail.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I think we have a terrific team here and I get to interact with some amazing people from all over the world.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
I do have a soft spot for Chopper and his injuriesIf you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Be prepared to fall in love with all the reptiles <3

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Miranda Kew | Café staff |
I am 22 and have lived in Darwin for the past 10 years. I was born in
Melbourne. I love writing, watching movies and tv with friends.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I love Crocodiles, and the people here are amazing!!!I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
The baby Crocs. They’re baby crocs!!!If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Don’t be scared-be cautious

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Naomi Mair | Croc handler/guide/aquarium diver |
I am 20 years old, originally from Ipswich, I have lived in Darwin for
the past 9 months. I have studied Environmental Science and Management
with a major in Agriculture.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I love the friendly team at Croc Cove and my job beats a desk job second
to none!!! I love how the crocodiles have individual personalities and
no two days are ever the same. I also love being a host to our guestsI shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Chopper is my secret fav. He has had a particularly rough life and had
to fight very hard for survival. His head is proportionately smaller
than the rest of his body but his ‘defect’ hasn’t affected him.If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
To be persistant, friendly, polite and to be involved in some volunteer
work from a young age. If you are interested in a long term career,
study will also be beneficial.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Courtney Maxsted | Reptile Keeper/Guide |
I am born and bred right here in Darwin. I have been working at
Crocosaurus Cove for 1 and a half years. I am 17 and still at school
while working at Crocosaurus Cove part time. This has always been my
dream job, and I hope to have a permanent job at Crocosaurus Cove after
school. This job has me picking up poo, handling with the public,
feeding and playing with animals. So all the good stuff. I have a
Certificate in Animal Studies and years worth of experience in this line
of work.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
It is my dream job.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
I love western bearded dragons.If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Get use to playing with dead rats and poo

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Fiona McKean | Croc Handler/Croc Feeder |
I am 29 years old born and bred in Darwin and i have always been a bush girl!!!
For several years i was a jillaroo and then i came to Croc Cove to play with the big Crocs
I love the friendly atmosphere and i love how the crocs keep me on my
toes but My favourite part of my ‘job’ would have to be educating our
visitors on these mysterious creatures and answering unusual questions.I shouldnt have a favourite but… :Olive Pythons are great and the albino’s are the cream of the crop, but I really love the Sawfish! Advice for Reptile work:
Never give up, persistence, a great attitude and determination is the key-also, bring a smile

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Ian Moore | Retail and Front Office Manager |
I came to Darwin four years ago and was meant to be here for three months. Originally English, I became a Kiwi after marrying one. I love the tropical lifestyle and the laid back way of life in Darwin.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I love meeting different people from all walks of life and working in the great team we have here at Croc CoveI shouldn’t have favorites, but…:
Children’s python – because I own one.y.If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be… :
Marry a Kiwi – work hard in Darwin until the owners of a reptile park notice you.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Jenna Natalizio | Photographer/baby croc charmer |
I am 23 years old and moved to Darwin in January this year from Echuca,
Victoria. I love motorbike riding, camping, fishing for baby crocs at
Croc Cove and paying with my 3 year old Kelpie’s. I also have a love of
travelling and exploring new and exciting places.I love working at Croc Cove because:
I love how Croc Cove is unique, not only in it’s setting but also it’s
attractions. I never would have been able to work so closely with
crocodiles if not for Crocs in the city. The atmosphere here is very fun
and ever changing which keeps me on my toes.I shouldn’t have favourites but…:
I would have to say the baby crocs as I spend most of my time with them.Tips:
Have fun, relax and enjoy them all- don’t be scared of them, unless they are deadly

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Rosie O’Loughin | Retail Assistant |
I am 17 years old and have lived in Darwin for 12 years. I love hanging
out with my friends going to movies, the Wavepool and I am a HUGE Harry
Potter fan.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I really love working at Croc Cove. I love all of our reptile memorabilia and our beautiful crocodile accessories.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Harry is my favourite cause he’s named after Harry Potter and Harry the Prince of WalesIf you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Educate yourself on what area you’d like to work in and take it from there.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Nigel Palmer | Crocodile Manager |
1984 Nigel moved to Gove where he got to know the dangers of the tropical waters as a commercial fisherman.A snap decision in 1986 saw him sell his share in the boat and jump on a plane to the big smoke – Darwin.A family friend advised him there was work going at a local crocodile farm. Very soon life in the big smoke was left behind and Nigel moved into a donga at Fogg Dam so he could be close to Janamba croc farm.Being the young fella at the farm Nigel got all the good jobs! One of his first croc adventures was driving the tinnie down the Daly river at night collecting hatchling crocodiles – all pretty exciting until the motor clipped a rock bar in the middle of the river. Nigel spent the rest of the night on a sandbar protecting his sleeping boss, by stoking a big fire and chasing every crocodile who came near the sand bank away. Little did he know at the time this was not going to be his last adventure on the mighty Daly.
Not much older and not a lot wiser, he was asked to assist NT Parks and Wildlife staff to collect a large crocodile that had been caught in a trap near the community. The troop arrived at the Daly expecting a reasonably large 10 to 12 foot crocodile but were confronted with an 18 foot monster in the trap.The team managed to tie the croc up and then roped him to their boat to take him from the trap to the trailer ready for the trip back to Darwin. All went well until the croc got a bit impatient and with a flick of his tail flipped the boat over. After an initial panic Nigel was sent to dive down with the croc and cut the ropes tying it to the boat so he wouldn’t drown.
After a couple of misadventures Nigel quickly learnt the art of croc handling and was one of the first in the Territory to experience the fury of a captive saltwater crocodile guarding her nest. Nigel did manage to get some weekends off, and to keep the action happening he joined Swampdogs rugby club.
After three years Nigel went over to Wyndham in WA to capture breeding stock for the newly established crocodile farm. Originally his contract was to catch 30 breeding stock and several thousand juvenile freshwater crocodiles. The was too much fun and adventure to be had in Wyndham so Nigel stayed on for 4 years, catching hundreds of wild crocodiles at night then running the farm and conducting tours for visitors during the day as well as doing seasonal wild egg harvests in 40+degrees.
Once again Nigel answered the call of the big smoke and moved back to Darwin where he worked for Darwin Croc farm. Managing the farm came with lots of hard mundane work, but the Top End wet season always provided adventure with the Farming industry capitalising on the wild croc egg harvest.Nigel has flown across most of the top end of Northern territory in helicopter and light planes and also had the pleasure of wading through many of the swamps in the area collecting crocodile eggs. His adventures may have turned his hair grey prematurely as there have been plenty of hairy moments both in the air and in the swamps.
In the dry season with only farm work to do Nigel returned to the Swampdogs to coach junior rugby however he hasn’t been persuaded to pull his own boots on!
Nigel left Darwin Croc farm in 2009 to be part of the Crocosaurus Cove team. The challenges are a bit different – having to entertain the public and convince the crocs that they are not just their at a crocodile resort to lay around.
After a day at work Nigel, makes the trip back out to Humtpy doo, hopefully in time for a few beers in the setting sun.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Kundan Pandey | Retail/Sales Assistant |
I am 24 and I was born in Nepal, I have been in Darwin for 6 months
after living in Sydney. I love to play guitar, sing, dance, listen to
music and read books.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
The best part of my job here is the people I work with followed very
closely by the environment, it is very similar to my home environment in
Nepal with the crocodiles and reptiles etc.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Burt- cause he’s a movie star!!!If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Be prepared to never stop learning!!! It is an amazing bonus of the job.
| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Pickering | Crocodile Handler |
I am 20 years old and was born in Germany but raised in England. I have
travelled the world as so far my favourite places ive been to are Mexico
and Australia. I have been in Darwin 3 years and have no plans to leave
anytime soon
I love working with crocodiles and i love the team spirit here. Everyday
i come to ‘work’ i get to hangout with friends and play with crocs!!!I shouldn’t have a favourite but…:
But it’s secretly Harry!!!- He’s a real Show Man!!!Tips for working with reptiles:
Make sure you have a passion for them and that you really want to work with them and care for them and then work really hard.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Kayli Renfrey | Retail Assistant |
I am 17 years old and am Darwin born and bred. I started off in
functions for Croc Cove and have now moved into the retail sector. I
enjoy camping, shopping and motorbike riding in my spare time.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I think Croc Cove is a really fun place to work, it’s very interesting and the people here are so nice.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
I love all the reptiles but my favourite would be the crocodiles, especially the babiesIf you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
To be passionate about them.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Luke Roberts | Croc Handler |
I am 30 years old and born and bred in Darwin, i have worked at Croc
Cove for 5 months and enjoy fishing, camping, the outdoors and
socialising with my friends. I have a pet snake and scorpion and have a
love of all things reptilian.I love working at Croc Cove because:
i love working very closely with animals. My job is a very fun job and i
get an adrenaline rush from being so close to the big crocs.I shouldn’t have favourites but…:
All the big crocsTips:
You must enjoy working with animals and not be afraid to get dirty. Be prepared for hard, but rewarding work.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Bec Tilbrook | Retail Sales Assistant |
I’m 19, lived in Darwin for 4 years, I’m the longest serving person in the shop.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
Because it’s such a social job, you get to meet really awesome people, and the people I work with are lovely.I shouldn’t have favorites, but…:
Chopper, because he moved the best for me in the Cage Of Death and he’s just got good character.If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Don’t forget to lock the cage.

| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Suzi Need | Reptile keeper/guide |
I have been in Darwin for almost 4years. I moved up here after I
finished my Uni degree (Animal science/zoology). I have been working at
croc cove since it opened.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I get to do what I love and interact with the public at the same time.I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
Olive Pythons are my favouitesIf you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Don’t be afraid to get bitten.
| Name | Job Title |
|---|---|
| Tanya Madson | Ambiance Officer (aka Head Cleaner) |
Born and raised in Darwin, I can never see myself leaving the Territory. I love the change in weather the wet season brings. Watching the storms roll into Darwin with my son give me great pleasure. My favourite foods are barramundi and goanna.Why I love working at Crocosaurus Cove:
I love to see people’s faces when they go into the Cage of Death. The look of worry on their face makes me chuckle to myself. Being an animal lover, I get to see so many different species every day. With one my favourite foods being barramundi, I feel like diving in our 200,000 litre aquarium and getting a feed!I shouldn’t have favourites, but…:
My favourite crocodile is Burt, our movie star. He seems to have such a great character and he loves to chase our crocodile handlers!If you wanted to work with reptiles, my top tip would be…:
Stay away from the venomous snakes!


