How We Started

Growing up I have always had a love for animals and knew from an early age what I wanted to do in life. I was never sure what path I would take working with animals until one day I decided I would like a new pet. Like every kid, I was thinking hamster, gerbil or something furry. I later spoke to a teaching assistant at my secondary school and he recommended getting a chameleon. That very same night, I went home and googled about chameleons only to find myself absolutely captivated by these animals. My passion for reptiles and invertebrates grew larger and larger until one day at 15, I started volunteering at a local reptile shop. I may have ended up with gerbils in the end but I found my future. Years later my knowledge about animals increased and I knew I wanted to combine working with both people and animals. Looking at all my options I had, I decided encounters were the best way for me to combine the two. I am so thankful and grateful for everyone who has supported me and my passion along the journey. To that one teaching assistant, I forever thankyou for helping me find my passion. To my parents, thank you for not kicking me out when turning up unannounced with some new critters!