Croc babysitter snaps up dream job
09-03-2010 The Cairns Post, Australia
The Cairns Crocodile Farm received more than 140 applicants for the husbandry team member to "pamper" the reptiles through their growing stage to about three and a half years when they are harvested for their skins and meat.
Pampering role: Ashley Underhill has landed the best job in his life looking after 17,000 juvenile crocs at Cairns Crocodile Farm. Picture: MARC McCORMACK
The 33-year-old was a last-minute applicant and interviewee for the job which attracted applicants from throughout Australia and even an experienced Zimbabwean crocodile farm manager who is in line for another position.
Farm operations manager Bruce Clarke said Mr Underhill's late application attracted their eyes and his previous experience in meat and leather, including stints on ostrich farms in Victoria and Bundaberg were added bonuses.
The Smithfield resident moved to the Far North nine months ago with his wife Sasha.
Snappy customers: Some of the young crocs Ashley Underhill is in charge of.
He said he always wanted to work with crocodiles.
"It's been great. It's the best job I've ever had and I've had quite a few," Mr Underhill said.
"It's a challenge and every day is different.
"I have a healthy respect for crocodiles and it's all about keeping as safe as possible."
Among his tasks are checking the quality, quantity and temperature of the water in the crocodile pens, checking, preparing and giving their diet of chicken heads and turning on the cooling sprinklers.
"My job is to keep these three-year-old crocodiles happy and healthy," he said.
"I'm starting to understand them and it helps working with animals all your life."
(Bron: http://www.cairns.com.au/)
(Bron foto's: Cairns Post)
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