Scott Chambers was born in the Middle East and worked and studied in the US, while Libor Mach was born in what is now the Czech Republic and worked in New Zealand. Both have recently joined the keeping staff at Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo.

Exhibit manager Clare Rugg said: “They have a range of different skills and experiences gathered in different places around the world – but they have come to Torquay for the same reason – to work with amazing animals.”

Scott Chambers was born in Muscat in Oman. Australian with an English mother, he spent 8 years studying in the US and has three degrees – in pre-veterinary medicine; animal and avian science and management; and sports medicine!

He played American football semi-professionally at Colorado State University. “It’s the highest level before you turn pro with the NFL. The quarterback I used to play with is now with the Chicago Bears!””

Scott has years of experience with birds of prey and parrots, but it’s the first time he has worked with penguins, puffins and seals. “I’m learning a lot!” he admits. “There’s always more to know. Living Coasts is a terrific collection.”

Devon is also new to him. “It’s a beautiful place with great scenery!” Away from work, Scott’s interests include cooking and followed the New York Jets American football team - but there’s one thing he’s not so keen on. “I don’t love the rain!” he says - even though in Colorado he was used to temperatures of 30 degrees below zero!

Libor – Lee – Mach was born in what is now the Czech Republic. He went to New Zealand to learn English and began volunteering with their Department of Conservation, gaining experience with species such as kiwi birds, penguins and seals.

Lee: “I have been passionate about animals since I was little. I used to help on my grandparents’ farm and we had animals at home as well.” He has been riding horses since he was 12. “In New Zealand. I used to ride a few times a week - when I had a day off I would be riding for the whole day in the bush, forest or just on the beach. It’s so relaxing!”

He studied agriculture and veterinary science, worked at a breeding programme for the kiwi bird and at the National Aquarium of New Zealand, where he was an aquarist and gained commercial diving qualifications. He has worked closely with sharks, crocodiles, large stingrays, fish and reptiles.

Libor moved to the UK in 2010. “I like Torquay. It is similar in size to Napier, where I was for many years – that is also a coastal town.” He is just discovering what South Devon has to offer. “I’m an outdoor kind of guy, I love playing sports and I like walking on the cliffs and beaches. And the palm trees remind me of New Zealand!”