“Joel was a carnivore keeper. The tigers were part of his morning rounds.” The sound of Bill Nevill’s voice was unmistakable. Jamila was...

Hamish escorted me to the hippo exhibit. I kept my thoughts to myself that I was more than capable, especially seeing as Whitlam was...

“One of the vervet monkeys died.” “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.” “Thank you,” Hamish replied, running one hand over the nape of his...

My heart thudded within my chest. Of course, I had received animals before, when I was at Melbourne Zoo – that’s how I’d met Joel. My...

I woke up this morning with something of a startle, taking an extra moment to adjust to the harsh Perth light, and the fact that I was no...

First thing when I arrived at the zoo, Whitlam, Zola and I let Primrose and Brindabella into their pools. The slither of sunlight over...

When we arrived at the zoo this morning, Whitlam ducked into the office to sign in for both of us. Around the other side of the building,...

My eyes opened, surrounded by the warmth of my bed. After a split-second, I remembered, just as I was prone to do in those first moments...

“The zookeeper killed in a tiger attack at Perth Zoo has been identified as carnivore keeper Joel Donovan.” We should have been leaving....

“Just make sure that you go to the toilet before you start any veterinary procedure,” Jamila advised. “It’s not like you can do a tree...

I awoke early, to the slither of light coming in beside the curtain. Ever so softly I could hear animals outside. I prayed, not with...

I woke up early this morning, a wedding day buzz through my body. Sliding from bed, I didn’t bother with a shower. I dressed myself...

Nikki was going to take me back to the doctor. I did feel anxious, because I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to go to Werribee....

You find out a lot in the Healesville office, not that I reckon I need to be here. There’s already been enough paperwork back home....

I dropped into the meeting room. Margie looked up from her computer screen, tapping the keyboard once and slipping her headphones down...

The Head of Carnivores appointment has been announced. This morning that was what I’d heard through the grapevine, thanks to a message...

On the way into Healesville, we passed a burnt-out car. My eyes lingered on the sight, pulling my attention from Nikki running through...

I awoke early this morning. The smoke in the air made my stomach feel a little uneasy, but there was work to be done. I know that this...

This morning, Nikki had asked if I’d come into the sanctuary again. Therefore, I got ready in a hurry and scampered out to the kitchen....

Just like usual, for the end of the week, Nikki picked me up from the Roberts’ farm. I even noticed a hint of spring warmth in the air,...