New book reveals the secrets of Eric Worrell

Before Steve Irwin there was Eric Worrell, a snake handler and founder of the pioneering Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast.

The details of his extraordinary life are the subject of a new book ‘Snake-Bitten, Eric Worrell and the Australian Reptile Park,’ which traces the journey of his childhood in Sydney to his establishment of one of the first and largest reptile collections in the country, and his work collecting venom from some of Australia’s deadliest snakes and spiders.

The book was co-authored by Associate Professor Kevin Markwell, from Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Dr Nancy Cushing, lecturer in Australian history at the University of Newcastle.

“Eric Worrell is someone who made a significant contribution to wildlife education, his work in supplying venom saved many lives and he did more than anyone before him to change Australians’ attitude to snakes,” said Professor Markwell.

“As well as the successes, he faced personal challenges and financial hardships that brought him to the brink of financial ruin – yet the Australian Reptile Park stands to this day as his enduring legacy.”

Professor Markwell lectures in tourism studies and is the author of three books and more than 30 academic journal articles. His work on nature-based tourism is recognised internationally and he has a special interest in zoo tourism.

Professor Markwell said his own fascination with reptiles combined with his interest in wildlife education and tourism inspired him to co-author the book.

“When Worrell opened the Australian Reptile Park in 1959, it was one of the country’s most distinct and unusual tourist attractions,” said Professor Markwell.

“For the first time spectacular reptiles such as the king cobra of south east Asia, the taipan of north Queensland and the mamba of Africa were displayed side-by side, and he pioneered animal presentations such as snake milking demonstrations and hand feeding of dangerous alligators and crocodiles.

“He and his staff were ahead of their time, and many of their approaches have been adopted by other large zoos and wildlife parks.

“Thanks to his work, the Australian Reptile Park remains to this day a leader in wildlife tourism, conversation, education and research.”

‘Snake-Bitten, Eric Worrell and the Australian Reptile Park’ by Kevin Markwell and Nancy Cushing is on sale now, priced $39.95 and can be purchased online from the UNSW Press website, Snake-Bitten, Eric Worrell

Photo: ‘Snake-Bitten, Eric Worrell and the Australian Reptile Park,’is the new book by Associate Professor Kevin Markwell, from Southern Cross University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Dr Nancy Cushing, lecturer in Australian history at the University of Newcastle (high resolution image available on request).