Reptile keeper

Henry Budd

To many they’re the stuff of nightmares, but Sydney Wildlife World reptile keeper John Mostyn just loves snakes. And the more dangerous the better. As well as looking after about 200 reptiles at the centre, each day he handles some of the world’s deadliest snakes, including the inland taipan and king brown (which produces more venom than any other Australian snake).

Mostyn has to handle them so he can check their health and clean their enclosures.

“We have strict handling protocols in place for venomous snakes,” he says. “There must be two keepers present and both keepers must be signed off to work with venomous snakes.

“It does get the adrenalin flowing. You really have to be aware when you go in.”

Usually the snakes are locked in a holding bin while their enclosures are maintained, but sometimes the snakes require further handling.

“If they haven’t shed properly you have to help them, which means soaking them in some water and peeling the dead skin off,” he says.

As if handling snakes all day at work isn’t enough, Mostyn also keeps several at home.

“I have some red bellies at home which are quite placid,” he says. “You could probably sit and watch TV with them on your lap.”

Mostyn worked in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation before landing his dream job at Sydney Wildlife World while it was under construction four years ago.

“I find each reptile has their own personality,” he says. “They are like people, sometimes they have good days sometimes they have bad days.”

However, Mostyn has only ever dealt with one snake having a truly bad day.

“We have a pair of [non-venomous] big scrub pythons,” he says. “I put my hand under the female’s body and she spun around and bit me on the wrist. It hurt a fair a bit, my wrist blew up and there was blood everywhere for a few minutes but then it was OK.”

HOW TO BE A REPTILE KEEPER

Qualifications: Completing a Certificate II in Animal Studies is the first step to becoming a reptile keeper.

Course description: TAFE NSWsays the Certificate II course in Animal Studies is for people wanting to work as an animal attendant or carer in kennels, catteries, pounds and welfare centres, quarantine establishments, zoological and fauna parks, wildlife refuges, research centres, pet shops and commercial animal production enterprises.

The course enables students to develop skills, underpinning knowledge and behavioural attributes required for the care and maintenance of animals in a variety of environments and workplaces. It also provides knowledge of the animal care industry and its many sectors.

Graduates can apply for advanced standing in the Certificate III in Captive Animals and Certificate IV course in Veterinary Nursing. Sydney Wildlife World reptile keeper John Mostyn recommends both for aspiring keepers.

Assumed knowledge: There are no formal educational requirements for entry to this course.

Cost: $418 per annum.

From the inside: Mostyn says keepers should get as much experience handling reptiles as possible by becoming a member of wildlife rescue organisations and even keeping them as pets at home.

“For that you need to get your reptile keeper’s licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service,” Mostyn says.

*More information: tafensw.edu.au