Mark is a professional herpetologist with a particular interest in monitor lizards (goannas) and crocodiles.
His interest in reptiles began at about the age of 9 thanks to his latin teacher at Eagle Preparatory School in Zimbabwe, Mr Hinkley, and at home in Zambia.
His initial interest was in the venomous species of snake found around school and home, such as boomslangs, mambas, cobras, puff adders and gaboon vipers. However, he soon realised that this was the way to a very short herpetological career, and became more interested by crocodiles and lizards. Mark's T.V. and Radio credits include "Play School", "Animal Hospital", "Totally Wild", Foxkids "Klubhouse","Burke's Backyard", "NRL Footy Show", MTV's "Road Rules", Natural History New Zealand's "Twisted Tales", TVNZ's "What Now?" and Triple M's "Andrew Denton Breakfast Show" and "Pet Talk Radio" amongst others.  Mark has worked at a number of wildlife institutions in Australia, including The Australian Reptile Park, Sydney Aquarium, and Cairns Tropical Zoo and lectures on reptiles and amphibians at The Hunter Institute. Mark is a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London.

Mark Richmond
Samantha, or Sam as she prefers to be called, joined us in mid 2008 having previously worked as a Vet Nurse in Sydney and at Taronga Zoo, The Australian Reptile Park, Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park and Symbio Wildlife Gardens. Currently studying Certificate IV Captive Animal Management at Bankstown TAFE, Sam is one of the few female presenters working in our industry.
Samantha Lamesa
Emma is the newest member of our team, having joined us in late 2008. She is is studying Captive Animal Management at TAFE, and this is her first job in the animal industry. When asked how she got her start her standard answer is: "It helps if your uncle is the owner!!"
Craig Parker

Craig has been working for Crocodile Encounters for over 7 years, and is one of our most experienced "Party Presenters". His love of reptiles began over 20 years ago. Craig's work career has included 10 years of public speaking and training in the animal care industry , as well as a stint at the Australian Reptile Park. 

 

Emma Richmond
Sam Parker
Sam  looks after our bookings and enquiries and is usually your first point of contact with Crocodile Encounters. Sam, along with her husband Craig (see below), are an integral part of the team looking after the administration and marketing side of the business.
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