Wes Mannion
Encyclopedia
Wes Mannion is best known from the series The Crocodile Hunter
as Steve Irwin
's best friend and director of Australia Zoo
.
.
In 1976, Wes and his family returned to Australia and eventually, in 1985, settled on the Sunshine Coast
in Queensland
. Wes' passion for reptiles continued throughout his childhood years and at age 14, he made his first visit to the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park (now known as Australia Zoo).
Wes and Steve Irwin met in the mid 1980s when Wes and his parents visited Australia Zoo. Wes soon became close to the Irwin family and he was looked upon as a younger brother. Wes volunteered at the zoo for a number of months and was later offered a paid keeping position. Wes and Steve worked along side each other at the zoo learning about reptile and animal husbandry and eventually moved onto capturing and relocating wild crocodiles.
During Steve's growing success with The Crocodile Hunter show, Wes would often star in the show as Steve's right hand and co-host, if Terri
was not able to be there. When not co-hosting, he was usually behind the scenes keeping the camera crew safe from animals and ensuring their safety.
named Graham bit him on the thigh. Steve, acting on instinct and training, subdued Graham with a wooden "safety stick" (a safety device located in all crocodile enclosures), allowing his friend to escape and saving his life.
The Crocodile Hunter
The Crocodile Hunter was a wildlife documentary television series that was hosted by Steve Irwin and his wife Terri. The show became a popular franchise due to its unconventional approach and Irwin's approach to wildlife...
as Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin
Stephen Robert "Steve" Irwin , nicknamed "The Crocodile Hunter", was an Australian television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist. Irwin achieved worldwide fame from the television series The Crocodile Hunter, an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series which he co-hosted...
's best friend and director of Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is a zoo located in the Australian state of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast near Beerwah/Glass House Mountains. It is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association , and is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin, whose wildlife documentary series The Crocodile Hunter made the...
.
Early life
Wes' interest in reptiles began in the dense jungles surrounding his family's home in Malaysia, where his father was stationed as a member of the Royal Australian Air ForceRoyal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
.
In 1976, Wes and his family returned to Australia and eventually, in 1985, settled on the Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
The Sunshine Coast is an urban area in South East Queensland, north of the state capital of Brisbane on the Pacific Ocean coastline. Although it does not have a central business district, by population it ranks as the 10th largest metropolis in Australia and the third largest in...
in Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
. Wes' passion for reptiles continued throughout his childhood years and at age 14, he made his first visit to the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park (now known as Australia Zoo).
Wes and Steve Irwin met in the mid 1980s when Wes and his parents visited Australia Zoo. Wes soon became close to the Irwin family and he was looked upon as a younger brother. Wes volunteered at the zoo for a number of months and was later offered a paid keeping position. Wes and Steve worked along side each other at the zoo learning about reptile and animal husbandry and eventually moved onto capturing and relocating wild crocodiles.
Career
Wes started full time at the Australia Zoo in 1988, working alongside Steve and gaining intimate knowledge of the care and management of wildlife. By 1992, Wes was promoted to head reptile keeper and curator. Realizing the need to gain overseas experience, he temporarily left the zoo to gain knowledge from other zoological and veterinary facilities overseas. Upon returning to Australia Zoo in 1995, Wes took up the position of manager and in 2001 was promoted to director; Wes' wife Jodie is the assistant director.During Steve's growing success with The Crocodile Hunter show, Wes would often star in the show as Steve's right hand and co-host, if Terri
Terri Irwin
Theresa Penelope "Terri" Irwin, AM is an Australian-based, American-born naturalist, author, the widow of Australian naturalist Steve Irwin and owner of Australia Zoo at Beerwah, Queensland, Australia...
was not able to be there. When not co-hosting, he was usually behind the scenes keeping the camera crew safe from animals and ensuring their safety.
Incidents
In 2001, Wes was involved in a serious incident in which a captive Australian Saltwater crocodileSaltwater Crocodile
The saltwater crocodile, also known as estuarine or Indo-Pacific crocodile, is the largest of all living reptiles...
named Graham bit him on the thigh. Steve, acting on instinct and training, subdued Graham with a wooden "safety stick" (a safety device located in all crocodile enclosures), allowing his friend to escape and saving his life.