Our Staff
Mary Thorpe - Zootopia business owner & Pet Minder
About Me:
I have worked in the animal care industry for over 14 years; I started my career by volunteering at the RSPCA in Burwood during school holidays and weekends. I worked in all areas of the shelter including the kennels, cattery, puppy, kitten, wildlife, vet clinic and livestock areas. I volunteered there for 6 years.
After High School I completed a Diploma of Applied Science Animal Technology at Box Hill TAFE. My first paying job was as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse at Ashburton Vet Clinic this was for 1 year. I then worked as an Animal Technician with mice & rats for 9 years. During this time I built my house and moved to Pakenham.
Being closer to the country I was able to become involved in more conservation work. I started volunteering at Pearcedale Conservation Park as a keeper & tour guide. This led me to beome involved with the Marsupial Society of Victoria, I was an active member and was later elected to the committee as secretary for 2 years. I also wrote articles for the societies publication.
Over the last few years I have also been lucky enough to be involved in a number of conservation projects with various threatened and endangered species including, frogs, owls, mammals and lyrebirds. I was also a member of the Gembrook State Park Flora and Fauna Friends Group.
I returned to animal welfare work in 2006 working at the Australian Animal Protection Society, I worked there untill deciding to dedicate myself to Pet Minding full-time.
I have a keen interest in herpetology and have kept several different species as pets. I come from a horse racing family so have experience with thoroughbreds and farm animals as well.
I have always been called upon by friends, family and neighbours to care for their pets while they went on holiday.
About Zootopia:
I started Zootopia Pet Minding Service in September 2006 after recognizing a need for a professional, personalised pet care service in the area; and having gone through the stress of trying to find reliable, trustworthy holiday accomodation and care for my own pets.
Our pets are an important part of our lives. My service endeavours to provide your pets with the love, care and respect that they deserve. The same respect extends to the care of your property; every effort will be made to ensure that it remains safe and secure during your absence and that you return to find it in the same state in which you left it.
Zootopia specialises in the care of all animals without discrimination, whether it is a horse or a mouse, a dog or a crocodile!
