Meet the Team
Gary Hunt
The man who started the zoo with only a couple of pygmy goats... Gary has been here since the start, developing the park into what it is today! Gary works almost every hour of every day, to help maintain the park for the animals and to keep the visitors happy!
Favourite species at the park:
Pygmy goats
Lucy Stalker
Lucy runs the animal section at the park. Her organisation, dedication, and attention to detail helps to keep all the animals happy and in good health. Lucy has a keen eye for photography, responsible for most of the photos on this wesbite!
Favourite species at the park:
Skunks
Rob Terrell
Alongside Lucy, Rob leads the animal section at the park. Rob also plans, develops, and runs the educational and conservation programmes with the animal team. You'll likely find him lingering around enclosures looking for an excuse to show visitors some of the animals!
Favourite species at the park:
Wallabies
Hannah Forrest
Hannah not only manages the café , but is also in charge of most of the administration duties at the park. She manages the day-to-day operations to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Favourite species at the park:
Camels
Stephen Giles
'Crocodile Stevo' is, as you may have guessed, a crocodilian expert! Having travelled the world researching the reptile, Steve now helps to take care of the animals, educate visitors, and lead many of our research projects and animal training programme!
Favourite animal at the park:
Caiman
Phoebe Peploe
Phoebe is a positive character with a keen interest for ecology! You'll likely catch her delivering an iconic meerkat talk, giving enrichment to animals, or finding a way to make a customers day!
Favourite species at the park:
Meerkats
Harry Farley
Having originally started at Chew Valley as a keeper, Harry has a great eye for developing enclosures to suit the natural needs of the animals. He is a friendly and outgoing character, always educating visitors with a random fact!
Favourite species at the park:
Chickens
Rich Batchelor
Other than Gary, Rich is the longest serving member of the team. You'll find Rich mowing all the lawns, building enrichment and houses for the animals, and helping the operative team with their busy schedules!
Favourite species at the park:
Camels
Ian Humphreys
Ian is an animal-loving and creative member of the operative team, always thinking of new ideas to keep the animals stimulated and happy! If he's not aiding an operative project, the all-rounder is offering help to all other sections at the park!
Favourite species at the park:
Capybaras
Sophia Flower
Aspiring veterinary surgeon, Sophia is a very knowledgable and intelligent member of the team. Sophia helps all around the park, but particuarly enjoys looking after the birds!
Favourite species at the park:
Eagle owls
Liv Birdsey
Liv's dedication and commitment to the animals is very evident. Whether doing it herself or helping to organise others, Liv ensures animals are kept in top conditions and is always eager to do more to maintain their upmost welfare!
Favourite species at the park:
Capybaras
Lauren Geary
Lauren is another aspiring veterinary surgeon, and plays an important role completing routine animal health checks. Although working with all animals at the park, Lauren particularly enjoys looking after and bottle feeding the goat kids!
Favourite species at the park:
Coati and Raccoon
Paul Tompkinson
Paul's main interest are reptiles and invertebrates - having his own impressive collection at home! His experience keeping his animals translates well, helping to look after and keep all the animals at the park healthy!
Favourite species at the park:
Caiman
Joe Jones
Joe supervises the cafe on a day-to-day basis and is responsible for the delicious food on the menu! She is very caring, always looking after the team to make sure everyone is well fed!
Favourite species at the park:
Foxes