It’s a career choice not many would make.
While many children dream of becoming firefighters or doctors, Dylan Wallis found his calling in the world of snakes.
Fascinated by the slithering creatures from a young age, Wallis began as a volunteer and is now the head of venom and reptiles at the Australian Reptile Park, Somersby.
Over the past seven years, Wallis has steadily advanced at the Park and is now running the life-saving venom program alongside colleague Billy Collett following intensive training.
During his training, he mastered snake care, venom processing, handling venom vials and understanding snake behaviour to handle them safely and effectively.
“I was so nervous milking my first snake,” he said.
“My adrenaline was through the roof, but I pushed through and couldn’t have been prouder of myself.
“Now, four years later, I’m even more proud to be the head of venom.
“My love for snakes drove me to the Park, but the satisfaction of saving lives is beyond words.
“Contributing to a venom program that saves over 300 lives each year is incredibly rewarding.”
The Australian Reptile Park is the only facility in the world that milks Australian terrestrial snakes for antivenom production.
With approximately 2,000 reported snake bites each year in Australia, the rigorous training rookies undergo is crucial, helping to save hundreds of lives annually in collaboration with CSL Seqirus, which converts the raw venom into lifesaving antivenom.
Handling Australia’s most dangerous snakes, including the Eastern Brown and Coastal Taipan – the deadliest of all – requires extreme care.
Venom keepers, who handle snakes capable of lethal bites, take on one of Australia’s riskiest jobs.
In this role, safety is paramount, as a single mistake could be fatal.
“Dylan has come so far – from milking King Browns to now handling the most venomous snake in Australia, the Coastal Taipan,” Collett said.
“Next, he’ll be learning to handle the unpredictable adult King Cobra.
“Venom training is extremely demanding and requires patience.”
Wallis is certified to work with all five snake groups essential to the Park’s venom program: Tiger snakes, King Browns, common Death Adders, Eastern Browns, and Coastal Taipans.
The Park’s new venom milking facility is set to open in December.
Visitors will be able to walk through and witness the lifesaving work first-hand.