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, but observers will usually see her busily looking after the reptiles throughout the day.
Alex has a love of reptiles and is team leader of the reptile department, but also has a fondness for birds and cherishes the special relationships formed with them, particularly with Ritchie the macaw and Busta the galah.
Sheila is a local resident living at nearby Alligator Creek with an abundance of wildlife visiting her backyard. Billabong Sanctuary has been most fortunate to benefit from Sheila’s passion for Australian wildlife as she is our longest serving staff member, although in a volunteer capacity. She initiated and manages the Facebook page, keeps the website updated and responds to online enquiries.
Sheila loves Billabong’s philosophy of introducing local children to Aussie animals and providing international visitors an introduction to Australia’s unique fauna – where to see them in the wild and contribute to their conservation.
Lachlan is a dedicated member of the birds team at Billabong, responsible for working with a diverse assortment of stunning avian species, from small lorikeets to massive cassowaries.
Lachlan’s primary objective is to ensure the provision of exceptional care for his feathered friends while simultaneously enlightening visitors about the remarkable nature of these creatures. By fostering awareness and understanding, he aims to cultivate admiration for these magnificent birds for years to come.
Maddie joined us as a volunteer back in 2020, and donned the khaki shirt as a full-time ranger shortly afterwards.
Maddie worked mainly with mammals to start with but was soon presenting all wildlife shows and moved on to feeding crocodiles, including Krakatoa! In her trademark pink boots, she was popular with kids at birthday parties and Roving Rangers.
Maddie took time off to have her own kid (A baby boy–Congratulations!) but has now returned to work full-time, presenting shows and caring for our native wildlife.
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.
As a general ranger here at Billabong Sanctuary, he works with all of our native animals, but specializes in the care of mammals, including those lovable meerkats!
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 is 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.
His wildlife talks promise to be both engaging and educational.
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.
Jay worked for years at wildlife and safari parks in South Africa, so has experience with a variety of wildlife, including big cats! He does have a preference for reptiles, so hopes in time to work mainly with our scaly critters.
A keen scuba diver, Jay moved to tropical Queensland to enrol at JCU—the ideal jumping-off location to the Reef as well as to tropical rainforest. He’s studying for a BSc with a double major in Zoology & Ecology and Marine Science. Whew! With that course load he’ll work here just 3 days a week as a Casual Ranger. We’re glad to have him.
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. As well as presenting wildlife talks, she is already a popular tour leader with visiting school groups.
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.
