Featured Staff Member: Nick Terry, Zookeeper
What made you want to become a zoo keeper; was there a particular experience that helped you make this decision?
I have always loved animals and had hundreds of dinosaur toys. I always knew that I would do something with wildlife but nothing in particular pushed me into zookeeping. But, my wife did pretty much write my resume and made me go for this job.
What was the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at Gatorland?
Catching our five Cuban crocodiles. For those of you who don’t know, Cuban crocs are probably the most dangerous crocodilians to keep and many zoos won’t take them. We needed to catch them and draw blood for breeding purposes.
What is your favorite animal at Gatorland and why?
Our “Big EDB”, the largest Eastern Diamond Back rattlesnake we have. He is around 5.5 ft long ,with his sheds reaching 6 ft. Also, I have only heard him rattle once; he is mean looking but has never struck at me, except when I’m feeding.
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
India, they have it all. Tigers, crocodiles (Mugger and Saltie), cobras, elephants, all kinds of ecosystems and cool cultures. However, I don’t like Indian food. That may be a problem!
What is the best part of working here at Gatorland?
Getting close to the animals, hands down! Catching the Cuban Crocodiles for blood tests, medicating a rattlesnake, or training our Asian Water Monitors… can’t get any better than that. Also, I don’t have to wear a suit and tie!
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
We all do, working with crocodilians and venomous snakes (animals in general) you get bit, stung, constricted, kicked, and stepped on. No fingers lost yet!
What made you decide to work with alligators?
They get 15 ft long, 1000 lbs, can exert over 2,000 lbs per square inch of crushing power and can be invisible in 3 ft of water. They are wonderful animals and they need our help. Alligators are a great crocodilian to start with and I hope to breed endangered crocs one day.
What kind of pets do you have at home?
Two cats (adopted), one bird (rescued), one fish and a daughter. Our one cat “Feral”, I actually caught in a swamp here at work, he was a thin kitten with a limp. He’s nice and fat now!
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I like to read, learn more about animals, play video games and spend time with my wife and kid. As a family we love to go to the beach and get attacked by wildlife.
Do you have any special talents?
I can hold my breath for over a minute, other than that I am pretty boring. Well, even holding one’s breath is boring.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
Not any one in particular, but Steve Irwin was a hero for animal conservation. My family has supported me through everything and my wife, Megan, pushed me to work in this field.