Wes Mannion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wes Mannion
|
|
|---|---|
Mannion in 2005
|
|
| Born | 1970 (age 54–55) Australia
|
| Occupation | former Director of Australia Zoo |
| Spouse(s) |
Jodie Chapman
(m. 2004–2012) |
| Children | 1 |
Wesley Gene Mannion (born in September 1970) is an Australian TV personality. He is well-known as Steve Irwin's best friend from the show The Crocodile Hunter. Wes also used to be the director of Australia Zoo.
Contents
Growing Up with Animals
Wes Mannion's love for reptiles started when he was young. His family lived in Malaysia because his father was in the Royal Australian Air Force. Wes grew up exploring the jungles around their home, which sparked his interest in animals.
In 1976, Wes and his family moved back to Australia. They eventually settled on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 1985. His passion for reptiles continued to grow. When he was 14, Wes visited the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park for the first time. This park is now known as Australia Zoo.
Meeting Steve Irwin
Wes Mannion and Steve Irwin met in the mid-1980s. Wes and his parents were visiting Australia Zoo. Wes quickly became very close to the Irwin family. They thought of him like a younger brother. Wes first volunteered at the zoo for several months. Later, he was offered a paid job as an animal keeper. He and Steve worked side-by-side at the zoo. They learned a lot about caring for reptiles and other animals. Eventually, they started catching and moving wild crocodiles.
Working at Australia Zoo
Wes Mannion began working full-time at Australia Zoo in 1988. He worked closely with Steve Irwin. He learned a lot about how to care for and manage wildlife. By 1992, Wes was promoted to head reptile keeper and curator. He wanted to learn even more, so he left the zoo for a short time. He gained experience from other zoos and animal hospitals overseas.
When Wes returned to Australia Zoo in 1995, he became the manager. In 2001, he was promoted again to director.
On The Crocodile Hunter Show
As Steve Irwin's show The Crocodile Hunter became more popular, Wes Mannion often appeared on it. He was Steve's right-hand man and sometimes co-hosted. This usually happened when Steve's wife, Terri Irwin, was not able to be there. When Wes was not co-hosting, he often worked behind the scenes. He made sure the camera crew was safe from the animals.
A Crocodile Incident
In 2001, Wes Mannion was involved in a serious incident. A large Australian saltwater crocodile named Graham bit him on the thigh. Steve Irwin reacted quickly. He used a wooden "safety stick" to control the crocodile. This allowed Wes to get away safely. Safety sticks are kept in all crocodile enclosures for emergencies.
See also
In Spanish: Wes Mannion para niños
Images for kids
-
Steve Irwin, Wes Mannion, and Terri Irwin
-
Steve Irwin showing Wes Mannion's scars from a crocodile attack
-
Wes Mannion planting a tree in honor of Steve Irwin
