About me

I started in 2004 on the hoofstock barn because it was the only job going that would take a guy with a biology diploma and no experience. I moved to Canadian Wilds in 2007 and stayed there, apart from the years I took the penguin rotation starting in 2013.

Nineteen years is a long time to watch the same yards. I know which bison will lean on the gate, which owl hates the sprinkler, and which tiger will pace the fence line when the barometric pressure drops — you can set your watch by her.

I retired in January 2024 when my back told me it had carried enough hay bales. I kept the volunteer badge. I still walk the loop on Tuesday mornings, and I still call the keepers by their first names when I see them at the coffee place on 12th.

This site exists because my niece got tired of me answering the same questions at family dinners. She built the template; I write the entries and she fixes my spelling.