Steve McEwan

Owner

Steve has had a lifelong involvement with reptiles. He caught his first lizard when he was 5 years old, and kept his first pet snake when he was 10. By the age of 15 Steve was working at the Gosford Reptile Park (now Australian Reptile Park) under the legendary Eric Worrell. Since then he has devoted his life to his love of reptiles.

Steve's passion is to educate children and adults alike through the Reptile World business.

Debbie McEwan

Supportive Wife

Hi I’m Deb. I love reading, movies and coffee shops. Steve loves reptiles, the Australian bush and fishing. You would think that we are completely different but we have been together for over 35 years.

I am a nurse and midwife, and those skills have come in handy over the years. While I have birthed hundreds of beautiful babies, I have also seen the birth of Taipans, Brown Snakes, Death Adders, goannas, lizards and turtles. Not to mention removing stitches from snakes and giving injections to them as well. Amazing to think that our different careers complement one another. I never thought I would hear myself say things like “don’t wash the crocodile in the shower” or “please don’t defrost the mice in the coffee cups”.

There is never a dull moment in our house – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Matt McEwan

Centre Manager

G’day I’m Macca! I’ve grown up my whole life around reptiles and the fascinating creatures dad brought home. Mum, Dad, my sister, Sarah, and I all love animals - especially our puppy Cooper! Although I love snakes, lizards, frogs, goannas and crocs, I also have a huge passion in life for fishing. My spare time is always spent exploring the many waterways around the area. I’ve always been an outdoors guy and love anything to do with camping and getting out around Coffs.

Walking into this reptile park is like walking into my backyard as a kid, so I hope you enjoy all of our pets!

Sarah McEwan

Veterinary

Like my brother Matt, I have grown up with reptiles in my life; as pets, appreciating them in their natural habitats, and learning about them through Dad and his extensive knowledge of reptiles. I received my first pet snake as a gift from Dad. Her name was Monty, a Diamond Python, which hatched from an egg not long before I was born. She fuelled my passion for reptiles and their conservation that I still have today, and made me realise how I want to use my career to help animals, in particular snakes and lizards.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Science through the University of Queensland and the light at the end of the tunnel (graduation) is getting ever closer. Although reptile medicine is not a primary focus during the degree, I take any extracurricular opportunity available to further my knowledge in their veterinary care.

After graduation it is my aspiration to work with reptiles. The majority of the reasons for reptiles becoming unwell and requiring veterinary attention is due to poor husbandry; a repercussion of a lack of knowledge of their housing and nutrition requirements. Thanks to Dad I am fortunate enough to have this knowledge base, and hope to educate reptile owners on how to improve their pet's husbandry and well being, and effectively their time here as our pets.

Taia-Storme Kovacs

Animal Attendant

I have been at Reptile World since 2019, first as a volunteer and now working at the Centre as a casual employee.

Steve is a great mentor and is always available to pass his knowledge of reptiles onto all of us.

It is a great pleasure to have been given this opportunity to be part of the team at Reptile World. I have learnt so much and enjoy being able to pass on what I have learnt to all those who visit.

Cooper

Hi I’m Cooper! I was rescued from a shelter by my family when I was 6 months old. This was a very lucky break for me, so I have made it my job to become the most loved member of the family.

My hobbies include following Steve around everywhere and keeping an eye on him, or lying on my couch, keeping an eye on what’s going past the window. I also see how often I can get family to stop and give me a pat as they walk past – I am pretty good at this!

I am looking forward to the opening of Reptile World so hopefully I can follow Steve around there too and meet lots of new people.