Q&A with host Jeremy Maguire
Jeremy Maguire is the Manager of Willowbank Wildlife
Reserve, where he oversees a big team and LOTS of animals.
He is also a cyclist, a tramper and music buff. He's a real kiwi
outdoors guy and just loves meeting all sorts of animals up close
and personal.
Jeremy you work at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, what
are some of the animals you particularly like working with
there?
This is a question I get asked a lot but it's a little
like asking which one of your children you like playing with the
most! I consider the animals to be my family but I guess I do enjoy
the animals that interact with you a little more, such as the Kea,
the Primates and the Otters. I also particularly enjoy the Pigs,
they are smart and often underrated animals.
This series of Animal Academy you and Sarah got to meet
some new and different animals - were there any that stood out to
you?
Probably Bees. I have always found them to be fascinating
but have never actually worked with them. They are truly amazing
little creatures.
You also got to go Horse Trekking - how did you find
that? Would you do it again?
I loved it! Horses are one of those animals that are very
aware of their surroundings and the capacity of the people around
them. I haven't ridden very often, but the few times I have I have
thoroughly enjoyed it, fun and challenging, just what I like! So
for sure I would do it again.
In the Summer Series you headed over to Okarito and went
Whitebaiting with Peter Arnold - how did you enjoy
that?
It was an amazing couple of days. I always love going to
the West Coast, it would have to be one of my favourite parts of
the country, and getting to spend time with such a genuine and
generous Coaster as Peter was a real privilege. White Bait for
Lunch and Dinner, clear blue skies, amazing scenery and hanging out
with a top bloke; it doesn't get much better!
You also got to head into the virgin bush with Duncan
Kay to collect a Kiwi Egg. What was the most memorable part of that
a trip?
Again, Duncan is one of those 'top blokes' and a good mate
of mine. I always enjoy catching up with him, especially when it
makes for an excuse to head into the bush, but I would have to say
the highlight of that trip would have to be my first ride in a
Helicopter! What a way to travel!
You also got to get a look inside a bee hive. Would you
consider getting a beehive in your own garden?
For sure, as long as the Bees and the Dogs got on!
Word on the street is that you have a new dog in your
life. Who is this new dog?
I guess you could say in recent years I have gained two
new dogs in my life. The first being my partners dog, a Pug called
Mr Darcy, whom she treated more like a child than a dog! (This has
since been somewhat rectified however!), and Fin, my Dad's Dog. Dad
is away a lot on business and poor old Fin was getting a bit Lonely
so Sarah and I have adopted him too, so now we have a pack of three
dogs, including Fyffe, to keep us on our toes.
What's the best thing about being a dog owner?
Dogs give so much for so little. Food, water, a walk and
some affection in exchange for unwavering love, loyalty and
entertainment, and no matter what they are always stoked to see you
when you get home.
Sarah is obviously a very experienced cyclist, but you
enjoy a ride yourself. Are you training for anything?
Yeah, I am planning to ride the Motatapu again this year
and possibly Le Race if I am feeling fit enough! Plus getting
'properly' fit was one of my goals for this year so I plan to spend
a good amount of time in the saddle.
What is the best thing about getting out on the push
bike?
It's a great fitness activity that I find doesn't put the
same sort of stresses and strains on your body as exercise such as
running, it's as challenging as you want to make it, and above all
else it's fun.
You live near the beach - what's the best thing about
that?
Being able to put my wetsuit on at home and walk down to
the beach for a surf, and being able to walk the dogs every night
somewhere they love going that they don't have to be on the lead
the whole time.
Your dream journey for Animal Academy - what would it
be?
Either the Amazon or Antarctica. Pretty much opposite ends
of the spectrum, but equally as fantastic.
