Born and raised on the outskirts of Melbourne, Chris’ connection to wildlife began early and ran deep. His childhood was spent almost entirely outdoors — chasing lizards through long grass, catching tadpoles in creeks, and quietly observing birds in their natural habitat. By the age of just 12, he had already become president of his local naturalist club, driven by a curiosity and fascination far beyond his years.
Unlike most childhood passions, Chris never grew out of his. In fact, many of his earliest animal companions remain part of his life today — including “Fred,” a green tree frog discovered when Chris was just three years old, and “Hector,” a blotched blue-tongued lizard who wandered into the family backyard when Chris was eight. These lifelong connections reflect a deeper truth about Chris’ world — this is not a career, it is a life.
At 18, Chris faced a defining crossroads: pursue a pathway toward representing Australia at the Olympic Games in kayaking, or follow his instinct and dedicate his life to wildlife. Choosing the latter, he embarked on a journey that would ultimately influence and inspire generations of Australians.
For over 32 years, Chris has been at the forefront of wildlife education in Victoria, personally engaging and inspiring millions of school children through face-to-face, hands-on experiences. In 1994, he founded Wild Action, an organisation built on a simple but powerful idea — that meaningful, physical interaction with wildlife is the most effective way to build understanding, empathy, and ultimately conservation outcomes.
Today, Wild Action remains a leader in environmental education, delivering curriculum-focused programs into schools and early learning centres across the state. Backed by a team of tertiary-trained zoologists, the organisation has become synonymous with quality, safety, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This impact was recognised at the highest level when Wild Action was awarded the Telstra Victorian Business of the Year (2008) — a testament to its innovation, growth, and contribution to the community.
At the heart of Chris’ work lies Wild Action Zoo, a private wildlife facility nestled in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. Home to more than 2,000 animals, the Zoo is not simply a collection — it is a dynamic, working conservation hub where education, research, and species preservation intersect.
Chris and his team have achieved significant success in the captive breeding of rare and endangered Australian species, an area typically dominated by major zoological institutions. Notably, their work includes breeding the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum, one of Australia’s most threatened mammals, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild. In addition, the successful breeding of the elusive tiger quoll — Australia’s largest mainland carnivorous marsupial — stands as a remarkable achievement for a private facility. These programs play a vital role in supporting genetic diversity and contributing animals to broader conservation efforts across Australia.
Chris’ philosophy is clear and unwavering:
How can we save something if we don’t know anything about it?
It is this belief that drives every aspect of his work. By creating genuine, hands-on connections between people and wildlife, Chris fosters the empathy required to inspire long-term environmental stewardship.
Beyond the classroom and the Zoo, Chris has taken his message to a global audience through television. He has executive produced and starred in two major series — Chris Humfrey’s Wild Life (ABC) and Chris Humfrey’s Animal Instinct(Animal Planet). His work has been broadcast internationally across multiple markets including Europe, Asia, and Australasia, and has featured on inflight entertainment platforms with major airlines such as Qantas, Emirates and Jetstar.
Chris is also a bestselling author, having written a series of Australian wildlife books that combine scientific accuracy with humour and storytelling. His titles — Chris Humfrey’s Awesome Australian Animals, Chris Humfrey’s Coolest Creepy Crawlies, and Chris Humfrey’s Incredible Coastal Critters — are aligned with the Australian curriculum and introduce young readers to concepts such as classification, adaptations, habitats, and ecological roles. Through these works, Chris continues to extend his reach far beyond the classroom.
Academically, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) from the University of Melbourne. His scientific training underpins his work, ensuring that every interaction, presentation, and publication is grounded in accuracy and credibility.
Away from formal education settings, Chris is a lifelong adventurer and self-confessed adrenaline enthusiast. A former elite extreme white-water kayaker, he has represented Australia at World Championship level and travelled extensively across the globe in pursuit of wildlife experiences — from tracking leopards in Sri Lanka and rhinos in Nepal, to observing pumas in Belize and studying reptiles in the Australian outback. These experiences continue to shape his understanding of wildlife and conservation on a global scale.
Adding to the unique personality of Wild Action Zoo is Memphis the Dalmatian, affectionately known as the “guardian of the Zoo.” A loyal companion and much-loved character, Memphis keeps a watchful eye over daily operations — and is just as well known for his cheeky habit of occasionally “confiscating” lunches from unsuspecting staff and visitors.
Chris lives in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges with his partner Erin Voges, also a qualified zoologist, and his two daughters, Charlie-Ashe (22) and Tasha (19), who have grown up immersed in wildlife and share a deep appreciation for the natural world.