Jamie has been working in the Zoo industry for 27 years. It all started via the Prince’s Trust and it was with their assistance he set up a reptile business. This provided him with the expertise and business skills to take up a position at his local Zoo, Drusillas and this was followed by positions at Omega Parque in Portugal, Howletts and Blackpool Zoo.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park was opened by the Heyworth family in 1970. The family wanted to give new life to the house and park and to share with as many people as possible their passion for nature and conservation. Over forty years later, it is now one of the UK’s largest zoological collections, having been visited by millions, discovering the beauty and diversity of the natural world. For Jamie, working at the Park, with its amazing animals amongst beautiful surroundings is the pinnacle of his career.

Whether it’s defending himself against an escaped and enraged hippo using only a piece of broken patio furniture at a previous zoo, or sharing a camp bed with a baby rhino, there’s never been a dull moment. Living and working amongst the animals at the Park is where he is happiest. 

Real highlights for him are the births of endangered species such as White Rhino, Greater Bamboo Lemurs and many others. A real sense of pride is his work reintroducing White Storks with the Knepp estate in Sussex, where they have release over 100 so far and have another 36 set for release this year.