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Behind the Scenes

Wild Life spends five minutes catching up with Peter Harlow, Herpetofauna reptiles and amphibians manager at Taronga Zoo

Behind the scenes
How did you get into this industry?

I’ve been interested in wildlife my whole life and had worked in reptile and amphibian research in several universities for 20 years before making the change to zookeeping at the age of 46.

What does your day involve?

Every day here is different. I manage the staff, our collection and breeding population. We’re breeding chameleons and File Snakes at the moment, along with the rats, mice and insects to feed our collection.

Best part of your job?

The variety. In addition to looking after our animals we’re also working on half-a dozen research programs. I was also on the Zoo Friends Members’ Advisory Council, so I’ve been kept quite busy.

Claim to fame?

We supplied some maggots for a film set; in the movie they peeled back the sheet and maggots fell out of the corpse’s chest – they were my maggots!

Occupational hazards?

I probably get bitten about once a year by non-venomous snakes. 

Peter’s Zoo Visit Tip

“Go and see the QBE Free Flight Bird Show – it’s the most interesting and fun thing. Every time I watch it, it’s always different.”

QBE Free-flight Bird Show

A flurry of feathers and a cacophony of bird song bring this popular event to life and because of Taronga’s positive training methods, you be sure the birds are having a good time too!