Have you always been interested in animals?
Yes, we grew up near the Zoo and were brought early in life, but growing up it was all about dogs. We always had one, sometimes even two.

How long have you been coming to Dublin Zoo and are you a regular visitor?
Like most people I was brought a lot as a child but lost touch with the Zoo in my late teens and twenties. In recent years I have returned, this time with my own family and very aware of the tradition at play.

Which are your favourite animals in the Zoo?
The tigers will always take your breath away, as do the elephants. But nothing entertains as much as the monkeys. There is a comic element to their behaviour, a cheekiness that always brings a smile to your eyes. My daughter Eva loves them too, but watching them its hard to say which of us laughs the hardest.

What was your most memorable or exciting moment visiting Dublin Zoo?
That has to have been the photo shoot for the TV show. I got to hold the Python. It was amazing. Before that, Eva and I were let in with the long tailed lemurs, They jumped all over us and ate from our hands. Its one thing being outside, but inside is a whole other experience.

Do you have any pets at home?
Postponing the inevitable at the moment. We have a three year old and a one year old, and they both love dogs so eventually the demand will become too great. Mind you the eldest, if asked, would want a pig.

What do you love most about your job?
If you sit there long enough the world will join you. Sports stars, music stars, and this week Gerry Creighton dropped in!

When you’re not working or visiting the zoo, what other hobbies or interests do you have?
Raising children mostly. They don’t leave time for a lot else, but when they do I do as much armchair sports following as I can. MUFC I’m afraid.