Trainer Profile - Julian Craig

Julian's fascination with reptiles began as a child in Papua New Guinea. One of his earliest memories is from a visit to Eric Worrells Reptile Park (NSW) as a 5 year old; he was totally absorbed by the snakes, especially the large King Cobra.

Family trips to the USA in the late '60's and early '70's led to his first experience with rattlesnakes during a cross country journey from New York to LA. Arizona was of particular interest, allowing Julian to catch and study a Red Boa, a Striped Racer, Garter Snakes and a large Western Diamondback Rattler. It was also where he went snake catching with a professional snake catcher who worked as a collector for US zoos and museums.

Returning to Sydney in late 1970, Julian had his first opportunity to catch and study Red-Bellied Black Snakes. Many were caught, measured, checked for ticks and mites, then released. He also joined the Australian Herpetological Society and was introduced to Gerry Swan, who invited him to come and see his collection of snakes.

A return to Papua New Guinea during 71-72, provided Julian with an opportunity to explore remote regions seeking out new species. This provied incredibly exciting, as he soon gathered a collection of large Pacific Ground Boas and other non-venomous snakes.

From 72-76 living back in LA, Julian collected and kept a range of different specimens, including; a Boa Constrictor, Gopher Snakes, a California Mountain Kingsnake, Night Snake, Corn Snake, Rattlesnakes, California Striped Racer and various Garter Snakes.

Julian moved to Adelaide in 1977, joining the SA Herpetology Group (SAHG), where he met Geoff Coombe and Dr. Julian White (now Prof.).

• Oct 77- Oct 80 - kept detailed Herpetology dairy of field trips, (containing 205 entries).
• 1977-85 - kept Eastern Brown, Tiger, Black and Copperhead Snakes, the majority of which were caught in the wild.
• 1985 - Julian released all his snakes into their natural habitat (where they were caught) to pursue other ventures.
• 2005 - present - Julian and his wife Bec own a rural property, which is home to Brown, Black and Whip Snakes.
• They currently hold a family membership of the SAHG.

Qualifications

• Senior First Aid Certificate
• SA DEH Specialist Keep and Sell Permit, Class 3 - Permit Number F44617
• SA DEH Snake Catchers Permit - Licence Number - S40189

Julian is excited about working with Living with Wildlife, renewing the necessary licences/permits to start working with snakes once again.