With Lisa Tuthill, Life Sciences Manager at Moonlit Sanctuary, Pearcedale
1. What’s the most interesting part about being a senior keeper at Moonlit Sanctuary? The variation of day to day work. I normally have a plan of what I would like to achieve for the week, but when you work with animals you have to be able to think on your feet as different things come up almost every day. Although this can sometimes be stressful it is also very exciting and keeps you thinking outside the box.
2. What is something people don’t know about you? I grew up in Launceston, Tasmania. Growing up on a semi-rural property, I had a love of animals from a young age and I knew early on in my life that I wanted to work with them. Some nights, we used to hear Tasmanian Devils in our back yard (sometimes breaking into our bantam hut!)
3. What is the most memorable moment in your life? I have had many memorable moments in my life, but one of my career highlights so far, has to have been when I got to see some of the critically endangered Orange-bellied parrots that we bred be released into the wild. It was quite amazing to actually see the birds fly out of their enclosure and realise they were in the wild, they flocked together then took off to the feeding grounds. It was truly thrilling.
4. What is your favourite television show? I don’t know…I like Masterchef at this time of year, but I don’t really watch that much TV.5. Which AFL football team do you follow? Collingwood.
6. What is your favourite place to visit in Victoria? I enjoy camping down at the Otways and going to Phillip Island (not during the busy period though). I also love going to wineries, I live and work on the Mornington Peninsula where there are around 91 wineries, so sometimes the best day off is just spent locally.
7. What is your favourite book? I enjoy reading a variety of books, but one of my favourite authors is Lee Childs.
8. Do you have any pets? I have a horse named Bella.
9. What do you work towards in your free time? I enjoy working with my horse and work towards becoming a better rider.
10. Where would your perfect holiday destination be? I would really love to go to the Galapagos Islands to see the unique species that live there.
