Jai Rochfort is now a crocodile keeper, but in his three years at Australia Zoo he has also worked as a bird keeper, a reptile keeper, an exotic mammals keeper and a native mammals keeper. At some point in his career at the zoo, Jai has worked with almost every animal there. Born in 1984 in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Jai spent his childhood running around in the bush catching snakes, lizards, birds and fish.
Jai's first pet was a rat and his parents always had chickens for fresh eggs. Jai began his wildlife career at Bunya Park, a small wildlife facility holding mainly native mammals and birds. When the facility closed down and the animals were relocated to Australia Zoo, Jai came with them. But it was Australia Zoo's enthusiasm that really affected him. Already a keen conservationist, Jai was very impressed by the range of conservation projects the zoo is involved in. The opportunity for hands-on experience and fieldwork in conservation projects really excited his passion for wildlife. Jai has a pet water python, and loves golf and the beach.



