Growing up in the small town of Alice Springs, I enjoyed the quiet country life and was obsessed with animals from a young age. My parents indulged my passion by letting me try nearly every sort of animal, even if only on loan for a few months. Dogs, cats, snakes, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs, scorpions, insects, pigs, cows, birds, chickens, ducks, fish, and rats –I had them all. I loved teaching them tricks, taming wild animals, and undertaking rescue and rehab missions.
Despite knowing I was different and being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression at 12, my love for animals remained a constant source of joy and comfort. While school and friendships were often challenging, catching and relocating wild animals, including venomous snakes, was second nature to me.…