About Me – Julia Baker
I have two great loves in my life — children and reptiles — and over the years I’ve been incredibly lucky to build a career that brings those two passions together.
Since 2004, I’ve worked professionally in the children’s entertainment industry, originally performing with my much-loved Kiddywinks Puppet Theatre. For more than two decades I’ve entertained at birthday parties, schools, childcare centres and major community events throughout Brisbane and regional Queensland.
What I’ve always loved most is connecting with children. Whether they’re three years old or twelve, I believe they deserve to feel seen, included and excited about what they’re learning. That same connection is now at the heart of my live Snake Boss Reptile Shows across Brisbane and Queensland.
From First Snake Encounter to Wildlife Educator
I didn’t grow up handling snakes. In fact, my first hands-on snake experience happened at Australia Zoo when I was 36 years old. I held a huge Burmese Python — and instead of fear, I felt fascination.
That single moment changed everything.
I realised that most people who fear snakes have only ever seen them portrayed dramatically in the media. Very few people have experienced a calm, controlled, educational environment where reptiles are presented with respect and understanding.
That became my mission:
To reduce fear through education and help bring humans and reptiles closer together.
My Snake Boss Reptile Shows
My reptile shows are designed to be interactive, educational and genuinely enjoyable for all ages. I combine:
- Reptile education for children
- Live snake handling demonstrations
- Hands-on reptile experiences
- Wildlife conservation awareness
- Age-appropriate humour and engagement
I love introducing each reptile with its own story, personality and fascinating facts. Through fun storytelling and interactive discussion, children learn about Australian snakes and reptiles, their habitats, behaviours and the important role they play in our ecosystem.
Every show is structured to:
- Build respect for wildlife
- Encourage environmental responsibility
- Gently challenge common myths about snakes
- Provide safe, supervised snake holding opportunities
- Keep children engaged from start to finish
One of my favourite moments is watching a child who started out unsure gently hold a snake by the end of the show. That boost of confidence is something parents often tell me they’ll never forget.
As Seen on TV – Snake Boss & The Snake Catcher
You may recognise me from my television series Snake Boss, which became the highest rating show on Animal Planet Australia / Pacific Rim, as well as from The Snake Catcher. Both series are currently airing globally.
It’s always lovely when children arrive at a show already excited because they’ve seen me on television. Watching at home is one thing — meeting me in person and holding a real snake is something entirely different.
Changing How Children See Snakes
I truly believe education is the foundation of conservation.
When children understand reptiles, they are far more likely to respect them. My programs gently challenge misconceptions while reinforcing the importance of safety and responsible behaviour around wildlife.
Children often leave excitedly talking about scales, camouflage and habitats. Parents regularly tell me the car ride home is filled with reptile facts and proud “I held it!” moments.
Not every child becomes a snake lover — and that’s perfectly fine — but most leave feeling more confident and informed than when they arrived.
Fully Licensed & Professional
Safety and compliance are extremely important to me.
I operate with all required Queensland permits and licences so that every event is conducted legally and responsibly.
I hold:
- Damage Mitigation Permit: WIMP13732413
- Exhibition Permit No PRID000808
- Blue Card: 448813/8
- Current First Aid and CPR
- Public Liability Insurance: $30,000,000
Schools, childcare centres and event organisers can book with confidence knowing they are working with a fully licensed reptile demonstrator in Queensland.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple:
To create a safe, positive and memorable experience where children feel curious, confident and maybe just a little bit brave.
Because sometimes all it takes is one gentle moment with a snake to change the way someone sees the world.