Longleat Koala Keeper Among UK’s top Podcast Influencers

Lead keeper at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, James Dennis, has seen his weekly podcast receive national acclaim.

James was named as one of the top 50 influencers in the zoo and aquarium community by blooloop for 2024 just 18 months after launching the podcast.

The citation said: “He had made a significant impact on the zoo community by creating and hosting a podcast specifically designed to help young and aspiring zookeepers gain valuable insights into the world of animal care, conservation and the challenges faced by zoos.”

Called ZooKeeping 101, James said he found it overwhelming when he first heard the news, and he couldn’t quite believe it.

“I am just one of many here at Longleat, let alone within this amazing community we call zoos and aquariums which strive to make a difference to our incredible planet and wildlife.

“To be recognised within the community as a voice to help really does mean everything. Furthermore, to be awarded this accolade of influencer is unexpected with the only true intention when starting this podcast to help where I could, so yes overwhelming to say the least is the right word,” he said.

He is one of Longleat’s experts looking after koalas – the Safari Park has the only southern koalas in Europe and James spent months supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of the species following the devastating Australian bushfires.

James said the main reasons for setting up the podcast was as a way of communicating the incredible work of those who care for animals, many of which are now rare or critically endangered but also as a way of sharing experiences and key hard-hitting topics between keepers.

“The podcast enables people to share experiences and things they have learned. We can all improve, if we stop improving, we should stop doing the job,” he says.

Of the 87 episodes to date – he diplomatically says all stand out for different reasons but added: “Steve Backshall, one of our intrepid naturalists and television presenters, came to Longleat in 2024 and I managed to grab 20 minutes with him – he was a childhood hero of mine and I was in awe of him and what an honour to capture part of his story.

“Quite often you can take for granted the people you work with but when Darren Beasley – head of animal operations at Longleat, and Ian Turner, our longest-serving keeper, joined me it was amazing to hear about the places they worked, the challenges they faced and all the experiences they have.

“As a keeper you aspire to do some of the things they have done and it’s great to hear there are so many comparisons between all of our journeys.”

Modestly James plays down the inspiration he has now become to keepers all over the world who tune in to the weekly podcasts but as the Blooloop citation says: “His ability to communicate complex issues in an accessible and engaging manner has made him a respected voice in the zoo community and a source of inspiration for others.”

His podcast will be featured on www.longleat.co.uk regularly in the weeks ahead.