Pride Life with Bruce Murdock

Bruce Murdock’s earliest memory of connecting with animals occurred when he was very young, during a pony ride. He knew he wanted to live his life around animals. Starting small with a ‘free-range’ pet rabbit, Bruce sought out learning experiences that brought him closer to wildlife. Despite advice to the contrary, Bruce was determined to make a career from zoo-keeping. Fast forward 29 years, today Bruce proudly manages a team of passionate keepers and volunteers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. With between 600-800 animals under his portfolio as Precinct Manager, Bruce shares insights on his diverse role and the complexities of pride life for Lions.

"Taronga means passionate people – I get to work with so many people in so many areas with their own passion, drive and direction of where they want to go and where to take the organisation in the future. Taronga is all about its people... It’s so important as collectively we make the difference, we don’t do it individually, but as a team zoo-wide."