Pete Chambers has become part of the Symbio family after being given a chance by the Radnidge family a decade ago. It was something he had longed to do since visiting zoos as a child. He remembers coming to Symbio with his school. “I started as a volly. I have always been interested in animals. I looked up Symbio’s website and sent an email and I got accepted,” he said. Mr Chambers said the best thing about the job was being outside with animals. His favourite is the crocodile. “And how can you not love being right next to cheetahs every day. I am helping build the new farm yard exhibit. We are just clearing the site. The first exhibit I helped build was Tasmanian Devils.”

Symbio general manager Matt Radnidge said within months of Mr Chambers starting he was offered a full time job. “He would be the longest serving staff member outside the family. He has earned a lot of respect over the years. We really appreciate the level of effort and commitment that Pete gives to the place. He’s been involved in just about every major project. His work ethic and attitude is amazing. We only have an issue when he starts to sing.”