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Meet The Crew
We think it's important for you to meet the crew that breathe life into Perrys Bridge Reptile Park. Renetta Alborough - Mother Hen (office manager)
Control freak of note, and matriach of the crew, Renetta grew up in a farming community in the Kwa-zulu Natal midlands and has always had a passion for nature and the outdoors. Teaching herself to ride, she would often be found on horseback, satchel on back and fishing rod in hand as she explored the land and its abundant fauna and flora. At the age of fifteen, after being introduced to the wildlife conservation family, Renetta's future was set. From then on she has been involved in conservation orientated establishments whenever possible. Starting out as a volunteer at the Wildenham Wildlife Rehab Centre, she gained invaluable knowledge of animal care and discovered the importance of wildlife conservation. Her career path has led her to be involved in game farm development, environmental education, animal husbandry, and as with all careers ...the inevitable paperwork (Which is why we stuck her in the office).Another of her interests is aviation, and in 2002, her dream became a reality when she qualified as a micro-light pilot. Renetta became involved in one of the first buffalo TB testing pojects in South Africa situated on Phinda game reserve, and from there moved on to the biggest disease-free buffalo facility in the lowveld. Here she was responsible for the care and treatment of buffalo calves from birth to six months.She is currently based in Hazyview and attempts to share her newfound interest in reptiles with her fiance, Martin, rather unsuccesfully! Fortunately their son Jordan has become a keen "mini-herpetologist". Jordan Alborough - mini-herpetologist
Aged 7, Jordan is our youngest crew member (and thankfully does it for the love of it.) He is showing tremendous potential having recently been awarded a certificate for outstanding snake knowledge by his school teacher. Jordan spends many afternoons with us, much to the detriment of his moral upbringing with both Damien and my dubious influences (much to his mothers horror)! He is a great kid, and a David Attenborough in the making.....
Carolyn Budai - The Boss's Wife
Born in Australia, Carolyn grew up with two older brothers on her parents farm, surrounded by Tasmania's north-eastern highlands. A childhood filled with pony club, working horses, working dogs, cattle, (and the inevitable sheep), meant a love of animals was assured. Encounters with Australia's unique wildlife included growing up with a "joey" (baby wallaby) called Cassidy, and sharing the farms dams with duck-billed platypus. Carolyn's claim to fame (we think it's hilarious), is being bowled over by a rampaging wombat. Carolyn spent most of her free time during university years either rockclimbing or bushwalking, and occasionally sampling new adventures - land yachting, gliding, and white water rafting.Her first job during university holidays, was as a rouse-about in a shearing shed - yarding sheep, throwing fleeces and pulling out fly struck wool. She eventually joined the corporate world and spare time for these pursuits diminished,but in 2000 she needed a 'nature-fix' - and realised her life-long dream of visiting Africa (This would lead to the eventual demise of my bachelorhood). Carolyn's trip through Zimbabwe and Zambia made her fall in love with Africa and its wildlife (and her guide - me!) In 2001 Carolyn returned to South Africa for good. Apart from being involved in the park she is currently employed at the Drifters lodge in Hazyview where she continues to care for injured wildlife. To date she has successfully cared for and rehabilitated numerous antelope, warthog, otters, genets, bushbabies and a host of birds.An invaluable crew member keeping me under control. Rick Budai - The Boss (owner)(I have Carolyn's permission to say so)
My interest in wildlife and exploration began in France, my country of birth. Sitting comfortably on my father's shoulders we would explore the countryside and canal systems looking for colubrids that my father would catch, and then later release. Every possible waking moment was spent exploring the surrounding areas. My first capture (aged 5) was a rat which I caught in an alley behind the restaurant where my parents were dining. Needless to say, the chaos that ensued as a result of wanting to introduce my newfound pet to the entire restaurant was not met with the enthusiasm that I had hoped for. I later obtained a diploma in journalism and photography, with the idea of publishing a wildlife magazine, which never materialised. Further studies eventually lead me to work throughout Africa, where I was most comfortable, and more importantly where I needed to be ...out in the bush. Whether it was out on the plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara, the ancient Namib desert, the lush Okavango delta, or the dry game rich plains of Savuti... this was the Africa I loved. Meeting Carolyn meant a change of lifestyle (it's always a woman). Achieving a balance between married life and the great outdoors is never easy.Moving to Hazyview allowed me the opportunity to take my interest in reptiles a step further. By removing so called "problem" animals, I was able to collect valuable data such as DNA, from the specimens captured prior to releasing them. The next evolutionary step from there...Perry's Bridge Reptile Park....where I think I lead the crew. All the crew members are dedicated and believe in the conservation of reptiles. Please use our contact form if you would like to contact one of the crew members. Be sure to visit our online store for great reptile and amphibian gifts.
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