My name is Lucas Cheyne.
I have had a passion for animals and their environment my entire life. With a particular interest in reptiles, it was obvious to me as a young boy which career path I would take. I was 6yrs old when I obtained my first wildlife license and was Australia’s youngest herpetologist at that time.

With family history that stems to traveling show people, I myself am a 5th generation showman. Our traveling business took me around Australia and gave me ample opportunity to study our array of fauna in their different environments. I have close relationships with some of the original reptile exhibitionist. Watching the pit of death shows as a child I was inspired. My passion and knowledge grew quickly along with my collection which now consists of over 500 reptiles and amphibians.

After completing year 12, I studied a diploma of environmental science. I have also completed a Green corps program involving a traineeship in conservation, certificate II in horticulture, OH&S course and senior first-aid certificate. During this program I organised snake awareness days at local schools. I also conducted fauna surveys with the national parks and aligned with University’s, volunteering my services, conducting lectures and demonstrating my reptiles for venomous animal workshops. These remain among my most enjoyable and rewarding experiences. I hope to further educate the community about the ecology and the importance of these creatures.

For five years I was employed with a marketing company, traveling around Australia and overseas promoting various products at shows and special events. This involves using a microphone to demonstrate to large audiences. Then operating my own promotional company for four years, this business I handed to my cousin so that I could focus on my reptiles.

In 2007 I founded the company Reptile Kingdom Australia and began traveling to shows, schools and special events, my demonstrations were immediately a big hit and I feel right at home in the snake pit. I have a total of twelve years of wildlife demonstrating experience, I am capable of controlling large crowds and can converse with people of all ages.
In this time, I have attended events such as the Brisbane Ekka, Royal Canberra show, Royal Adelaide show, Sydney Super show and over a hundred different country shows. I’ve been featured at Bronco’s games, OH&S Expos, Regional showcase and so many more.
My high level of professionalism, innovative ideas and attention to detail won me the highest award at Australia’s second largest show. “Best in Show’ at the Royal Adelaide Show over three consecutive years. This was my proudest moment. But was a little bittersweet as I wished my parents were with me to see my accomplishment, they both had just recently passed.

My business has grown to be now the largest wildlife demonstration business in the country and we continue to receive praise for our world class performance and spectacular visual displays. With a fantastic team behind me there is no doubt in my mind we will continue to make a difference to the broader community.
In August of 2013 I fulfilled my childhood dream of launching a reptile park which was designed, built and funded solely by myself. With 50 species on display it was the biggest in the state. After 6 years of operating at Carrara Markets, Gold Coast, I decided to take it one step further and convert it into a mobile facility. This now allows to reach larger audiences, and educate on a grander scale.

The highlights of my career are when I receive a “Thank you” from customers who stated my advice saved their family member’s lives and when I am able to inspire today’s youth like I was many years ago.

Yours thankfully,

Lucas Cheyne