We’re a passionate, experienced team dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring animal encounters. Every member of our team holds an up-to-date DBS check, and we’re fully insured and professionally qualified — from teachers and ALN specialists to conservationists and animal behaviourists. With lived experience of additional learning needs and a fluent Welsh speaker on our team, we bring empathy, expertise, and enthusiasm to everything we do.
Jo
For Jo, animals have always come first. She believes life is about making a difference—creating moments of connection, understanding, and kindness that ripple outward. That belief led her to found Animal Cwtch, where every encounter is designed to celebrate the powerful bond between humans and animals.
A lifelong animal lover with experience across healthcare, education, neurodiversity, and animal welfare, Jo ensures every session is inclusive, fun, and respectful to both visitors and animals alike.
Inspired by her own children, including Sam and Daniel—both autistic and ADHD—Jo has firsthand experience creating calm, engaging environments where people of all abilities can feel comfortable. Seeing how animals helped her children thrive shaped the way Animal Cwtch operates today: wellbeing, understanding, and respect sit firmly at the heart of every encounter.
Jo’s passion for animals began at Penscynor Wildlife Park as a child. From the moment she touched her first snake, she was captivated—and that spark never faded. What began as childhood wonder grew into a lifelong fascination with reptiles, owls, and all creatures in between. Being able to work with owls now feels like a dream that’s taken flight.
Alongside caring for the animals, Jo keeps the whole operation running behind the scenes—writing policies, maintaining compliance, managing bookings, and ensuring every animal’s welfare needs are met. She’s the powerhouse behind it all: often stressed, always learning as she goes, and fuelled by a questionable amount of caffeine and sheer determination.
Jo is also severely hard of hearing, and her team act as her ears during sessions—making sure nothing (and no one) gets missed. From helping her follow conversations to reminding her to eat, they’re the grounding force that keeps everything going. Truthfully, Jo couldn’t do any of it without them—and she wouldn’t want to.
Kevin
Kevin has a natural connection with animals—so much so that he’s often nicknamed Dr Dolittle, because creatures of every kind seem to instinctively trust him. Birds perch on his shoulder, reptiles relax in his hands, and prairie dogs melt into his arms. Animals are drawn to his calm, steady presence and that quiet confidence that instantly puts people at ease.
Although he’s always loved animals, it wasn’t until adulthood that Kevin held his first snake—an experience that sparked a deep fascination with reptiles. Since then, animals have become a central part of family life, and Kevin has played a huge role in caring for them and supporting Jo in growing Animal Cwtch.
While Jo handles the policies, bookings, and admin, Kevin is our hands-on problem-solver—the one who keeps everything running smoothly. As our Operations Manager (even if he’s still not entirely sure what that means), he’s the person who can load a van like Tetris, park it in the smallest possible space, and somehow make every event setup look effortless. From logistics and builds to animal transport and repairs, he makes sure every encounter we take out to the community runs safely and seamlessly.
Kevin has built strong bonds with many of the Animal Cwtch residents, especially Penny the Parrot, who’s rarely far from him. And though Jemima the Duck is no longer with us, her loyalty to Kevin—and her habit of waddling faithfully after him—remains one of Animal Cwtch’s most treasured memories.
Somehow, Kevin manages all of this while balancing caring responsibilities and his work as a gas engineer. Quiet, patient, and endlessly dependable, he’s the calm at the centre of our rather wild little world.
Jess
Everyone at Animal Cwtch loves a Jess day. She’s the kind of person who quietly goes the extra mile—making sure every animal is clean, happy, comfortable, and fed. Her calm nature and steady smile keep the team grounded, and her care for the animals shines through in everything she does.
A qualified teacher with years of classroom experience across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Cardiff, Jess brings both educational know-how and creativity to every session. She has a natural ability to adapt her teaching to suit all kinds of learners, making encounters accessible, engaging, and full of laughter. Whether she’s leading a school workshop, assisting in a therapy visit, or running a party session, Jess makes sure everyone walks away having learned something new—and usually grinning from ear to ear.
As one of our key animal caretakers, Jess plays a vital role in maintaining welfare and enrichment for both domestic and exotic residents. She has a meticulous eye for detail and a gentle patience that helps every creature—whether it slithers, hops, or scurries—feel safe and secure.
As a keeper of both domestic and exotic animals, Jess combines hands-on experience with professional insight. She’s particularly gifted at working with the grumpier or more mischievous members of the Animal Cwtch family—the ones who test everyone’s patience but melt under her calm approach.
Her favourites are Boba Fett the Boa Constrictor and Jabba the Bearded Dragon, both full of personality and character. Jess is dependable, knowledgeable, and endlessly caring—someone who brings calm, competence, and kindness to every corner of Animal Cwtch.
Quite simply, everything feels a little brighter on a Jess day.
Nisha
Nisha brings extensive experience in exotic pet care and animal retail, making her an invaluable member of the Animal Cwtch team when it comes to understanding behaviour, welfare, and handling. Her calm, methodical approach and strong practical knowledge help ensure every animal receives thoughtful, attentive care.
Having worked in pet shops and animal businesses for many years, Nisha has developed a deep understanding of responsible ownership, welfare standards, and ethical handling. She’s the quiet expert behind the scenes—the one people turn to when they need advice, reassurance, or insight into the more complex residents in our care.
Nisha has a particular gift for working with parrots, who require patience, consistency, and trust. She invests the time to build genuine bonds with them, and the results show—birds that are calm, confident, and genuinely enjoy their time with her. It’s a reflection of her empathy and the quiet effort she puts into everything she does.
She once promised herself she wouldn’t take any animals home, but that promise didn’t last long! She’s now the proud owner of two birds and a hedgehog named Urchin. Her love of reptiles runs deep, and she’s even grown fond of spiders—despite keeping her distance when she first started.
Nisha’s depth of experience and her calm, confident handling make her a valuable part of the team whenever she’s working alongside the animals she knows best.
Emma
Emma is our resident expert in animal welfare, behaviour, and nutrition — the one who keeps Animal Cwtch running to the highest possible standards. A member of ABWAK (the Association of British Wild Animal Keepers), she combines professional expertise with a genuine love for the animals she cares for and the people she works alongside.
With a degree in Animal Welfare and Behaviour and an impressive range of additional qualifications — including feline behaviour, animal nutrition, and animal therapy — Emma’s dedication to learning never stops. She’s constantly developing her knowledge through CPD, staying on top of the latest welfare research and legislation so that Animal Cwtch continues to lead with integrity and care.
Day to day, Emma manages animal welfare, oversees nutrition, monitors behaviour, and ensures we keep pace with compliance and best practice. She’s calm under pressure, detail-focused, and always thinking one step ahead — the steady heart of our welfare standards and the quiet voice of reason when everything’s chaotic.
But Emma’s impact goes far beyond her expertise. She cares deeply — not just about the animals, but about people too. She’s the one who keeps Jo propped up and laughing when things get tough, bringing a healthy dose of humour and perspective to even the busiest days. Her warmth, empathy, and quick wit remind everyone that compassion and connection are at the heart of Animal Cwtch.
Her favourite is Jabba the Bearded Dragon, whose big personality and relaxed nature mirror her own calm confidence. Emma is knowledgeable, funny, and endlessly caring — a true cornerstone of the Animal Cwtch family, and proof that expertise and kindness go hand in hand.
Rhian
Rhian brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does at Animal Cwtch. As our Animal Educator & Workshop Lead, she combines hands-on animal encounters with imaginative workshops and crafts, creating experiences that are as inclusive as they are engaging.
Fluent in Welsh, English, and Spanish, Rhian helps Animal Cwtch reach a wide and diverse audience across South Wales and beyond. Her ability to connect with people in multiple languages brings warmth, accessibility, and authenticity to every encounter.
Before joining Animal Cwtch, Rhian worked extensively as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in specialist educational provisions in Swansea, supporting children with a wide range of additional learning needs. That experience shines through in her calm, understanding approach and her skill at adapting sessions to suit all abilities.
Rhian also brings a wonderfully varied professional background that includes event management and security work—skills that have proven both surprisingly and incredibly useful in the fast-paced world of animal encounters. Whether she’s managing volunteers, coordinating workshops, or lending a steady hand at large public events, Rhian has a knack for staying composed, capable, and quick on her feet.
Her motto of “solutions, not problems” has helped drive Animal Cwtch forward with optimism and determination. Always practical, endlessly positive, and ready for anything, Rhian keeps both the team and the animals moving in the right direction—proof that a good attitude really can change everything.
Vikki
Vikki brings warmth, laughter, and calm confidence to every Animal Cwtch encounter. As one of our Animal Educators, she has a natural ability to make people feel at ease — whether it’s a child meeting a snake for the first time or a nervous adult discovering that reptiles aren’t so scary after all.
A teacher and advocate by profession, Vikki knows how to connect, reassure, and inspire. She has a special gift for working with children, helping them find courage, curiosity, and confidence through her gentle, engaging approach. Her sessions are filled with smiles, stories, and those unforgettable “wow” moments that remind everyone why animal encounters matter.
At home, Vikki keeps a range of exotic pets — including a giant sulcata tortoise with a passion for digging impressive holes and testing the limits of her fences. Her experience with exotics makes her a fantastic handler and an invaluable source of knowledge within the team. Snakes are her particular favourite, and her calm handling helps both animals and people feel completely relaxed.
Vikki is calm, chatty, and endlessly nurturing — the kind of educator who brings out the best in everyone she meets. Her positivity and sense of fun make every session brighter, and her genuine care for both people and animals shines through in everything she does.
Tilly
Tilly brings energy, creativity, and a big dose of fun to Animal Cwtch. As both an Animal Educator and Caretaker, she balances laughter and learning with genuine dedication to animal welfare. Whether she’s leading a children’s session or rethinking an enclosure layout, Tilly gives everything she does her full enthusiasm — and usually a few giggles along the way.
Currently studying Criminology at university, Tilly brings curiosity, empathy, and a thoughtful understanding of behaviour — both human and animal — to her work. Her background in teaching dance shows in her confidence and ability to connect with children of all ages, making every session engaging, inclusive, and full of joy.
Tilly is amazing with the animals and always finding new ways to improve their wellbeing — from designing enrichment activities to reorganising enclosures so they have more space and stimulation. She’s particularly close to Phoenix the boa constrictor and Dolly and Kenny the chameleon geckos, as well as many of the soft, furry residents such as the guinea pigs and rabbits — though she brings treats for just about everyone.
Energetic, funny, and endlessly caring, Tilly has a gift for making both people and animals feel instantly at ease. She’s always up for trying something new, quick to learn, and full of thoughtful touches that make a big difference. Every day is brighter (and definitely more entertaining) when Tilly’s around — and the animals seem to agree.
Josh
Josh brings a calm, thoughtful passion to Animal Cwtch’s conservation and education work. With a degree in Wildlife Conservation and a master’s in Wildlife Filmmaking, he combines scientific knowledge with creative storytelling — helping people see the beauty, complexity, and importance of the natural world.
Having studied at the University of Bristol, based at Bristol Zoo, Josh gained hands-on experience with a wide variety of species and welfare practices. His work has taken him across the world on different conservation projects, giving him a global perspective that enriches everything he does at Animal Cwtch.
Calm, practical, and endlessly curious, Josh has a real gift for connecting people with nature. He’s passionate about every species, from spiders to owls, and is always the first to stop mid-task to gently rescue a wandering insect or toad from harm. He brings that same compassion and attentiveness into every session — inspiring others to care, protect, and look a little closer at the world around them.
Josh also supports our volunteering and conservation initiatives, including his work helping the British Bird of Prey Centre prepare for opening. He’s a key part of our environmental education and enrichment projects, helping to shape Animal Cwtch’s growing conservation focus.
An experienced diver and lover of marine life, Josh once left the whole team speechless when asked about his worst bite — and casually answered “triggerfish.” He’s particularly fond of snakes, drawn to their quiet strength and misunderstood nature.
Knowledgeable, kind, and always in quiet awe of the natural world, Josh brings inspiration and calm wherever he goes. His presence reminds everyone at Animal Cwtch that conservation isn’t just science — it’s heart, respect, and a deep sense of wonder.
Jacob
Jacob is the youngest official member of the Animal Cwtch team — but you’d never guess it from how hard he works. Calm, steady, and quietly dedicated, he’s the person you’ll find outside in all weathers, making sure every enclosure is clean, safe, and comfortable. Rain or shine, he turns up with his head torch and gets the job done.
As an Animal Caretaker, Jacob plays a vital role in the daily running of Animal Cwtch. He looks after the ducks, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs, and also supports the care of the owls and other residents. He’s a natural around animals, especially birds, earning him the affectionate nickname “the duck whisperer.”
Jacob also helps with DIY and enclosure maintenance, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. He has a knack for practical problem-solving — even if his enthusiasm occasionally leads to the odd mishap or unexpected splash!
When Animal Cwtch supported the British Bird of Prey Centre, Jacob came along and worked just as hard as the rest of the team — proof of his commitment and growing expertise. Outside of Animal Cwtch, Jacob is also a young carer, a role that reflects his empathy, patience, and deep sense of responsibility.
Jacob is thoughtful, kind, and quietly generous — the sort of person who does things to make others smile without ever seeking praise. His dedication to the animals is unwavering, and his calm, caring nature makes him an invaluable part of the team.
Whether he’s tending to the ducks, fixing enclosures, or making sure everyone’s fed and happy, Jacob’s reliability and heart shine through. The animals adore him — and so does the rest of the team.
Sadie
Sadie brings enthusiasm, kindness, and a genuine love for animals to everything she does at Animal Cwtch. Calm, friendly, and endlessly caring, she’s a reassuring presence for both animals and people alike. Her natural warmth helps even the most hesitant visitors feel at ease, and her passion for wildlife shines through in every session.
Animals have always been a huge part of Sadie’s life. From a young age, she’s spent her free time visiting zoos, learning about different species, and dreaming of working closely with animals. That lifelong curiosity and dedication now make her an incredible part of the team.
Sadie has a special connection with Boba the boa constrictor, though she’s brilliant with every animal she meets. Her calm confidence and gentle handling make her especially good at working with the more sensitive members of our Animal Cwtch family.
High-energy, friendly, and full of heart, Sadie brings laughter and light to every session. Her dedication and genuine affection for the animals make her an absolute joy to work with — and proof that passion and kindness are at the heart of Animal Cwtch.
Visit our work with us page
We’re always looking for passionate, caring people to join our growing team.
If you love animals and want to make a difference, visit our Work With Us page to find out more.
Jo and Kevin’s children have been a huge part of the inspiration behind Animal Cwtch. Sam and Daniel, both autistic with ADHD, have found incredible comfort and confidence through animals, shaping the way we approach our encounters. Their experiences have taught us how powerful animal interactions can be in supporting emotional well-being, self-confidence, and learning.
Animal Cwtch is, at its heart, a true family affair. What began as a small family project has grown into a team of people who care deeply about animals, inclusion, and each other. Many of our team members work alongside parents, children, or partners — sharing skills, laughter, and a love of animals that reaches far beyond the sessions themselves. Our families learn together, support one another, and help make every encounter welcoming, authentic, and full of heart. That sense of family runs through everything we do and is what makes Animal Cwtch so special — a place where people and animals alike feel they belong.
