Chaz Moxley
Animal Curator
As Out Of Africa Park’s Animal Curator, Chaz Moxley has the day-to-day responsibility for the care, feeding and well being of all of Out of Africa’s impressive collection of animals. He is especially involved with the big animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, giraffe, zebra, bears, and rhinoceros, among many others.
His lifelong experiential study and work around wild animals ranges from caring for apes to bottle feeding baby kangaroos to raising lions from cubs.
Looking into the minds of the animals under his care, Chaz describes each of them as having distinct 
personalities. “Every wild animal has a reason for what it does. The most important of our responsibilities is to understand why an animal is acting in a particular way and to react intelligently, without resorting to human instinct.”
The Park works hard to help its members of the animal kingdom feel content, healthy, and happy by allowing them the room and opportunity to be instinctual and territorial. It also makes sure that the animals have plenty of mental stimulation through interaction with each other and their environment, as well as with the caretakers.
“For individuals who are open to the amazingness of our animals,” says Chaz, “there is grandeur, awe, and joy to be found here.”
Core Group
Shawn Tyree – Manager
Shawn has been working with animals all his life. He acquired hands on training on a ranch in Nebraska .He then joined Out of Africa in 1996 when the park was in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Originally he was hired in the engineering department. An opening became available in the Core Group department, and he applied for the job.
As Manager of the Core Group it is his responsibility to coordinate, and train the new staff in all phases of 
caretaking, and building relationships with the large predators. These include Wolves, Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, and Bears.
His favorite part of his job is the relationship, and friendship he has developed with the big cats. His favorites are Tika and McCabe, 2 White Tigers, and Hunter, the largest Bengal Tiger at the park. He has been with Hunter since he was six months old. Hunter, now 9 years old, still sucks Shawn’s thumb, to be nurtured, whenever they are together.
Miya, a jaguar, has a wonderful relationship with Shawn, but is quite shy around visitors.
Nick Knapik – Assistant Manager
As part of the Core Group Team Nick cares for all large predators such as Wolves, Bears, Tigers, Hyenas, and many more exotic animals! He has been an integral part of the Out of Africa staff for the past 3 years. He attended Cat Tales Zoological Training School in Spokane, Washington for 1 year, and then went on to teach new students at the 
school for the next 6 months. He worked with Academy Award winner Randy Miller on 55 acres in Big Bear, California called, “Predators in Action” where animals of all types are trained to work in the movies, television shows and documentaries for National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. This training was perfect for working with the predators here at Out of Africa!
He loves to play and bond with his friends, the Tigers, in the parks premier event “Tiger Splash”, and he cares for all the predators on a daily basis. His reason for working here is that he loves spending time developing a relationship with the animals. He says that no two days are the same. The animals have different perspectives, and the unknown is the best part of the job.
Debra Kennedy
Debra joined Out of Africa in 1991 at the Fountain Hills location as a volunteer. She then worked in the gift shop one day a week. She also worked as a groundskeeper, and took care of snakes, birds, and Iguanas. She became the gift shop manager and helped the 
Core Group whenever they needed her. Eventually Debra joined the Core Group as a permanent staff member. She learned from the other members of the group as she worked with them, but says most of her training came from the animals themselves.
She loves all the wonderful animals at the park but her favorite is Jamaica a Black Leopard or Black Panther, as they are sometimes called. They are great friends and she is very affectionate. “Jamaica loves me, and that touches my heart!”
Debbie has great relationships with many of the animals. Among them is with Sonora, a mountain lion, who lives with our black bears.
Natalie Benson
Natalie has been with the park since 2006. Natalie met her husband, Nick Knapik, at the Cat Tales Zoological Training School and also worked with Randy Miller at Predators in 
Action for a year and a half.
Her daily responsibilities include clean up, feeding, nurturing and bonding with the large predators. She loves performing in the Tiger Splash event with her friends the tigers.
Natalie says her love for the animals brings her back every day and she is dedicated to educating people about them. “If people don’t learn to love and respect them now, then why would they care if they aren’t around 10 years from now? My job is to help preserve the species”.
Tim Heath
Tim attended the Cat Tales Zoological Training School as well as working at the Yellowstone Bear World before joining Out of Africa in 2007. He first learned about Out of Africa when the park was located in Fountain Hills, Arizona. 
While living in San Diego, California, Tim visited Out of Africa every year, and then decided that he would get his education to enable him to work here.
He performs with the Tigers in the premier event Tiger Splash and cares for all the large predators with his team members. His favorite companion is Liberty, and 9 year old Bengal Tiger, and one of the stars of “Tiger Splash”! She is awesome!
Tim spends time getting and giving bear hugs, with Charaka.
Meg Ruff
Meg also came to Out of Africa via the Cat Tales Zoological Training School. She was a veterinarian assistant for three years in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2005, while on Easter vacation, 
she visited the park, which was still under construction. Dean and Prayeri Harrison, the park founders, gave her a private tour, and then hired her to work for them.
Meg’s favorite part of her job is raising the baby Tigers and performing in “Tiger Splash”. She has no animal favorites because she loves them all. She dedicates her day to enriching the lives of the all animals she works with to make their lives the very best it can be!
Jeff “Heffy” Harwell
Jeff studied at the Cat Tales Zoological Training School and has been with Out of Africa since 2006. He works with his 
colleagues to give the large predators the best care possible, and loves being a part of “Tiger Splash”. He is very knowledgeable when giving information to our park guests.
His favorite friend is Sonora, a female Puma. When he enters her habitat she nuzzles, and licks his head. She is just as happy to see him as he is to see her! “What brought me here was that I saw how happy the animals are, and how large their habitats are. This is such a wonderful place for the animals as well as the caretakers, and guests. I love it!”
Jeff loves to romp with the lioness, Sela.
Rusty Begley
Known as “Papa Hyena”, Rusty has been with Out of Africa since 1998. He received a degree in college in Forestry & Game Management. After college he worked in the computer industry, and one day went to the Out of Africa Park in Fountain Hills, Arizona. 
He loved what he saw, and volunteered at the park doing whatever they needed. After 30 days he says, “They must have realized I loved what I was doing because I kept showing up so they offered me a full time job! Now Rusty oversees all aspects of food handling and nutrition for the predators.
His favorite friends at the park are Chippa and Chitabi, the hyenas. He has known them since they were 2 to 3 months old, and loves them. This is why everyone calls him “Papa Hyena”!
African Bush Safari Staff
Courtney Palmer – Manager
Possessing a Bachelors Degree, with a double major in Political Science and Animal Behavior, Courtney leads the Safari staff each day. As an intern at the Hershey Park Zoo in Hershey, Pennsylvania she received hands on training with a variety of animals.
Courtney joined the staff at Out of Africa in 2007, and in her spare time, advocates the rights of all animals. She says she became interested in working here at the park after she came on tour as a guest and fell in love with Kibo, one of the Giraffe, at our park!
“Out of Africa is an exceptional wildlife park in that the habitats are so expansive and the interaction the guests have with the animals educates them in conservation and preservation”.
Bill Pearson
Bill is an Arizona native who literally grew up as a cowboy in Congress, Arizona near Wickenburg. His love of animals goes back as far as he can remember, especially with reptiles. He also worked with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s office for a time.
Because of his herpetology knowledge he was originally hired in the Herp, Chirp & Fur department at Out of Africa. He learned there was an opening in the African Bush Safari department that would allow him to work with animals he had not worked with in the past such as Giraffes, Zebras, Sable Antelope etc., so he jumped at the chance to learn more about these magnificent creatures.
He loves his relationships with the animals and helping to educate the park guests while driving the tour bus into the Safari. Bill says this job is the most rewarding job he has ever had.
Mark Higgins
Mark graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2005 with a degree in Biology and his studies emphasized animal behavior. He has been with Out of Africa since 2007. Mark begins his day by feeding, cleaning and nurturing the likes of Gemsbok Antelope, Giraffe and a Dromedary Camel named, “Humphrey”. He also drives a tour bus into our African Bush Safari and educates our guests about the animal’s habits & behaviors.
What Mark enjoys most about working at the park is his close relationship with the animals, the fun he has playing with them and the love they have for one another. He says he thinks about his animal friends all the time and wonders if they are thinking about him too when he is not at the park. His goal is to enrich their lives.
Shawn Ammann
As you load the bus and head out toward the African Bush Safari, you will be curious to know where your driver’s accent comes from! He has been dubbed the “Wild South African Cowboy” by the staff because he loves to have fun with the guests and animals here at the park. Shawn is very knowledgeable about the park, and the animals he cares for. He gives you treats to feed Kibo, the Giraffe, and shows you how to get a big “sloppy wet” Giraffe kiss!
Shawn was born in the United States and raised in South Africa where his family had a wine farm for 20 years, and he grew up hearing the roar of lions in his back yard. He enjoys caring for, and playing with the animals. He loves them all, but says Kibo the Giraffe and Rafeki, the Ostrich are his favorites!
Lauren Butler
With a graduate degree from Northern Arizona University in zoology, Lauren is a great addition to the park. Her prior knowledge of animal behavior and care came from working for 10 years with livestock and horses.
Lauren has been with Out of Africa since 2007. She feeds, and cleans for the animals like her colleagues, and she is also a great tour guide packed full of knowledge.
“I love all the animals’ different personalities. I love working here because it is one of the only places I have been to that the founders and caretakers are not just in this for the money. We all truly care about these animals. If the guests can leave knowing these animals have personalities, feelings and emotions, and help to preserve them then I have done my job.”
Herp, Chirp & Fur
Stephanie North - Manager
Stephanie graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with emphasis in zoology and a minor in Chemistry. She has been with Out of Africa for a total of 3 years. Her first two years were spent as an intern learning hands on experience with the animals and being guided by the lead caretakers.
“I can’t say I have an animal favorite, but I do enjoy working with “Paddlewheel”, a South American Capybara, from the guinea pig family, and “Mara”, a Patagonian Cavy” whom are both shown here in the photos. |
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Lucas McRoberts - Assistant Manager
Lucas graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in zoology. While in school he had various jobs working in veterinarian clinics, and pet sitting. He worked for some time at the Phoenix Zoo, interned at the World Wildlife Zoo in Phoenix, and spent 3 months in South Africa.
His day is spent caring for snakes such as Anacondas, Pythons, Bush Babies and a variety of birds. He says he loves his job and everyone should be so lucky! |
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Robin Kerr
Robin’s experience includes the Heritage Park Zoo in Prescott, Arizona with large cats and small mammals as well as the San Diego Zoo where she volunteered for the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species specifically Primates. She joined Out of Africa in 2008.
Robin’s favorite friends at the park are the Bush Babies. She also loves Gracie, a 12 foot Burmese Python. She says they give her unconditional love, and they let her see their unique personalities. “All I can say is that’s so cool”. |
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Marc Hill
Marc spent 10 years with the Los Angeles Zoo. He received a degree in Pre Med from UCLA before being drafted to Vietnam. He has been with Out of Africa since 2006. His duties include feeding and cleanup for Pinky an Anaconda, Pharaoh an Egyptian Cobra, and Journey a Black Forest Cobra from Africa. Marc brings his “friends” to the Giant Snake show, which takes place at 2:15pm every day in the Critter Court.
“I am a very spiritual person, and I feel a connection with them. By caring for these animals they are caring for me.” |
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Operations
Dean and Prayeri Harrison
Dean and Prayeri are the founders of Out of Africa Wildlife Park, which they opened in north east Scottsdale in 1988. They relocated to Camp Verde in 2004, reopening the doors on 104 acres in 2005. Their combined love for animals was their beginning together, and the result is this very unique wildlife park, where animals are treated with love and respect, not only by the Harrison’s, but the entire staff.
Dean and Prayeri can be seen at the park on most days. Among their many duties, Dean usually mc’s the Tiger Splash Show, and sometimes drives the preserve tours and handles many of the Behind The Scene VIP tours. He is in charge of habitat design, where seeing from the eyes of the animals is always first.
Among her many duties, Prayeri, may be seen photographing the animals, as she is the park photographer, and driving on tours, and doing many of the VIP Behind the Scene Tours with Dean.
Each and every animal at the park is special to them.
Dean & Prayeri both feel it is a privilege to be working with animals. They believe it is one of the things God created them to do, and also to share their relationship with the wild animals with people who are interested.
Sydney Raitano
Sydney wears many “hats”! She joined the park in 1999 and worked at the former location in Fountain Hills until 2005 and then moved to Camp Verde when the park relocated. As our Group Event Coordinator, Sydney coordinates field trips for schools, corporations and bus tours. In addition she is the Manager of our Admission Office and Gift Shop where she meets with vendors to select and order animal and African themed merchandise and home décor. Many of the gift shop items are African artifacts from tribal artists that the park owners, Dean and Prayeri Harrison met while on safari.
Sydney says her number one reason for working here is her love of animals. “Animals have been my best friends my whole life”, says Sydney. Intuitively she knows what her friends need and what will make them happy! Among her four legged and feathered family members was Gordo, a VERY LARGE male Pot Bellied Pig. Gordo was extremely intelligent, loving and had the most wonderful personality. She has gained insight into the ways of the animals by being around them, and she enjoys learning new things from the founders and caretakers at Out of Africa.
Sydney has been an actress, dancer and entertainer for many years. “Every day is different. There are new animals and new projects going on all the time and I love being able to utilize all of my production skills so the guests will have a memorable experience!”
Al Raitano
Just about the time you have your wristband and map of the park and have decided you will never figure out what to do first, what time the events begin or how to get there, you will be greeted, and then guided, to exactly where you need to be. Al’s charm will win you over immediately and there is good reason for that!
Al Raitano is a singer, comedian, and consummate entertainer as well as the recent winner of the NBC talent show, “Second Chance”, competing with over 1300 other performers from across the country. Al still travels and performs regularly but he loves his job at the park and looks forward to every new day.
Al performed to raise funds for the relocation from Fountain Hills, Arizona to the current location here in Camp Verde, Arizona. He then relocated with his wife, Sydney, in 2005.
Al was hired to “be himself,” and directed to the front entrance of the park, where Al greets and directs guests. Since that time he does his best to give information, solve problems, help the handicapped and overall ensure that guests are relaxed and are able to make the most of their day!
KATIE RUGLOSKI
Katie plays a key role in the daily operations of Out of Africa Wildlife Park. She takes care of bookkeeping, and payroll while handling all reservations for our VIP Tour bookings, information phone calls, and all donations. She joined the park in September 2006.
Katie performs her duties in the office so she says she doesn’t really get to see the animals every day as do some of the other team members, and one of her fondest memories was the arrival of Boom Boom, the 36 year old white rhino, who is one of our rescue animals.
He is such a giant animal, with such a sweet personality. Boom Boom has become a favorite of park staff, and many visitors at the park.
Katie has opportunities to get out and see the openings of many of the new exhibits, which keeps her aware of what’s happening when she answers guest ions on the phones.
Couples at the Park
Out of Africa Wildlife Park has employees that are passionate about animals. There are several of those where the people share the passion for animals with each other as couples, both working at the Park.
Dean and Prayeri Harrison
Dean and Prayeri founded Out of Africa Park in 1988. Their passion for the animals, and each other, shows in everything they do. |
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Al and Sydney Raitano
Al & Sydney Raitano enhance the daily operations of Out of Africa Wildlife Park. |
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Nick and Natalie Knapik
Both work for the large predator animals. |
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Shawn Tyree and Debbie Kennedy
Both work with the large predator animals. |
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