Our Dedicated Team

My journey working with animals began at the age of 14, when I started volunteering with a family friend who worked with exotic animals. During this time, I assisted at fairs, public events and corporate functions, helping introduce people to a variety of fascinating species.

It was through these early experiences that my passion for animal education and outreach really began.

As my experience grew, I went on to work as a Ranger at an exotic animal rescue centre, where I was responsible for both educational outreach and the daily care of over 500 animals. The collection included an incredible range of species such as crocodilians, large predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, primates, parrots, small mammals, invertebrates and owls.

Over time I progressed through the organisation and eventually became Zoo Manager, overseeing both animal welfare and the operational management of the facility.

Following this role, I also worked on a children’s farm, caring for both exotic and domesticated animals. This included continuing to work with reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, alongside poultry, hoofstock, equine and pigs. During this time I continued delivering public animal encounters, school visits and children’s birthday parties, helping to educate and inspire young people about animals and conservation.

In more recent years I have also worked as a security dog handler, training my own working dogs for protection and search work, further developing my understanding of animal behaviour, training and handling.

Wild Encounters was created together with my brother Jordan, with the aim of sharing our passion for animals with as many people as possible.

Through our encounters we hope to educate, inspire and create unforgettable experiences, while promoting respect for animals and the importance of animal welfare.

Like Lewis, Jordan grew up in a household surrounded by animals, where caring for wildlife and domestic animals was simply part of everyday life.

At the age of 15, Jordan joined Lewis volunteering at an exotic animal rescue centre, helping with the day-to-day care of the hundreds of animals living there. Life at the rescue centre meant that no two days were ever the same. One day Jordan might be feeding giant fish and turtles, the next preparing food platters for fruit bats and monkeys, cleaning enclosures for giant tortoises, or assisting with public animal encounters and educational events.

During his time there, Jordan was fortunate enough to assist with the first 3D photoshoot of parrots, which later went on to be used in a David Attenborough documentary.

 As his experience grew, he progressed through the organisation and became a key member of the team, helping with the daily running of the centre and the care of its diverse animal collection.

Jordan later moved with the organisation to a children’s farm, where he took responsibility for the exotic animal section, eventually becoming Zoo Manager.

 Alongside caring for reptiles, amphibians and other exotic species, he also worked closely with the domestic animals on the farm and was involved in building and maintaining enclosures and housing for a wide range of species including chickens, waterfowl, emus, llamas, alpacas and donkeys.

During this time Jordan worked closely with the head veterinarian, helping to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare across the collection.

He was also responsible for training the birds for the daily public owl displays, working with magnificent birds such as barn owls and eagle owls.

Jordan’s real passion lies in helping animals that need extra care, patience and dedication. Over the years he has hand-reared baby owls and young farm animals, as well as helping to nurse injured wildlife such as hedgehogs, garden birds and squirrels back to health.

Wild Encounters is a passion project for both Jordan and Lewis, created to share their lifelong love of animals and wildlife with others. Through their work they hope to inspire curiosity, educate future generations and encourage respect for the natural world.

Charlotte is Lewis’ eldest daughter and Jordan’s niece, and has quite literally grown up surrounded by animals.

Coming from an animal-mad family, Charlotte has spent her life around wildlife and exotic species. From a very young age she would regularly visit both her dad and uncle at work, gaining early exposure to the world of animal care, conservation and education.

By the age of three, Charlotte was already confidently handling animals that many adults would shy away from, including large tarantulas, snakes and even baby crocodiles. This early start helped build a natural confidence and respect for animals that continues to grow today.

Animals have always been a huge part of Charlotte’s life. At home she grew up with a wide range of pets including small mammals, poultry, dogs, cats, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Her love for animals was also encouraged through frequent visits to zoos, wildlife parks and farm parks across the south of England, as well as encounters with wildlife while travelling abroad with her family.

Under the guidance of both her dad Lewis and her uncle Jordan, Charlotte is continuing to develop her knowledge, confidence and experience working with animals.

She represents the next generation of Wild Encounters, helping to ensure that the passion for animals, education and animal welfare continues long into the future.

Like her sister Charlotte, Freya has grown up surrounded by animals of all shapes and sizes.

From a very young age she has been part of the Wild Encounters journey, regularly visiting the animals her dad Lewis and Uncle Jordan looked after, gaining hands-on experience from early childhood.

As a toddler, Freya was already meeting some incredible animals under the careful supervision of her dad, including lemurs, sloths and squirrel monkeys. These early experiences helped nurture a lifelong fascination with wildlife and the natural world.

Freya is a compassionate animal lover who truly dotes on the animals in her care. Growing up she developed a particular obsession with frogs, keeping several as pets over the years. Because of this passion, “Frog” has become her family nickname, and it has stuck with her ever since.

At home Freya also loves spending time caring for her pet chickens and ducks, helping with their daily care and making sure they are happy and well looked after.

With her huge heart and natural love for animals, Freya is already developing the knowledge and confidence needed to work with animals.

Alongside her sisters, she represents the next generation of Wild Encounters, helping ensure the family’s passion for wildlife, education and animal welfare continues long into the future.