David Manning – herpetologist, naturalist, film consultant, author, presenter, wrangler and top banana of the Ark

David Manning established Animal Ark in the UK as a specialist media consultancy over 20 years ago, advising on, supplying and handling all sorts of creatures for film, television and photography. Through Animal Ark in the UK David began to run an educational service for schools and colleges, which he has now brought to Western Australia, together with his family.

David has been working with animals all his life, and besides his childhood obsession with animals and nature, his background was in zoological supply, advising on and supplying livestock, including venomous species, to zoos and institutions in Europe and the UK. He now runs DEC approved venomous snake catch & relocation training courses here in Australia.

In the early 1980s David helped to establish London's leading herptile retail store, 'The Vivarium'. So many film and television companies asked for his help with animals from poodles to pythons that he started the Animal Ark Company, now the source of both animal wranglers and a consultancy service advising on and coordinating animal requirements not only for the film and television industry, but also at high profile events and promotions.

Although his work in film and television has given him the opportunity to work with all sorts of animals, from rhino to kookaburras, his particular interest remains herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) and invertebrates, a huge variety of which he has kept and bred over the last 30 years. This love of creatures many of us would rather avoid, has led him to set up a new life in Australia, where these creatures abound, both in wild places and the back yard. You can join him to learn all about keeping native reptiles and amphibians as pets on one of his pet reptile keeping courses.

David has written four pet care books and numerous articles about wildlife, pets and the film industry, he has also appeared as an animal expert on television and radio. His most recent project has been to present three educational DVDs on the reduction of dog attacks.

"I find working with children the most rewarding and enjoyable part of my job. If, through our Roadshows, I can spark a lifelong interest, understanding and care for all living creatures, and Australia’s native fauna in particular, what greater job satisfaction can there be."
- David Manning

For more information or to book please phone David or Jenny on
08 9243 3044 or email us on info@animalark.com.au