A Totally Wild look at our history, and our future

Issued
26 May 2025
Region

For over 20 years, award-winning childrens’ television program Totally Wild brought the love our Rangers have for their patches into homes across the country, and across the world.

While their paths to the lounge rooms of the nation varied, Rangers Stacey, Tim, and Donna still share an enduring appreciation for the wonders Queensland’s protected areas have to offer.

Rangers Donna, Tim and Stacey all sit around a wooden picnic table dressed in various historical versions of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service uniformOpen larger image

Over the past 50 years thousands of Rangers have proudly donned the Herbie badge. With these familiar faces spending some time together ahead of our 50th anniversary on June 5, we took the opportunity to ask them a few questions while they were reminiscing.

Now a Director in the Department of Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation, Donna’s drive to protect and conserve our natural environment is still strong. It’s been her work in offices rather than film sets that’s winning awards these days. Spearheading the creation of the first staff welfare fund sounds overwhelming, but after spending just a few minutes with her you can see the drive. For her, it’s always been about the people.

‘My biggest joy while on Totally Wild was being able to connect with other Rangers and seeing the valuable work they’re doing out in the field.’ – Donna

Two images of Ranger Donna. Left: standing on park in uniform in front of a large truck. Right: holding a bilby with the Totally Wild logo in the top rightOpen larger image

Connection is clearly close to the heart of all the Totally Wild ex-hosts. Now working within our Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Partnerships team, Ranger Tim lights up as he talks about his appreciation for the learnings he’s had while working with First Nations partners across Queensland.

‘Communication and getting the message out there about why it’s important to care for and protect the environment has always been key for me.’ Tim said.

Scans of three old photos showing Ranger Tim and Ranger Stacey presenting for Totally WildOpen larger image

It was that desire to get the message out there that led to the birth of Totally Wild over 3 decades ago. Breaking down complex problems into their simplest form allowed kids, along with their parents, to understand and care for the world around them in a totally new way.

‘I’m so proud of what Totally Wild achieved. I think it really did inform a whole generation of people on how to help look after the environment.’ – Ranger Stacey

Ranger Stacey (present) being hugged by the Herbie mascot at the Daisy Hill Koala CentreOpen larger image

An integral part of the show for an incredible 29 years, it’s impossible to deny Ranger Stacey’s phenomenal passion for conservation and education, and the impact it’s had. Her enthusiasm was as bright as ever as she talked about fans of the show and what the future holds.

‘I hope that people continue to respect the environment and conserve what we have, and national parks are still used the way they are today. Where people can go, for free, to get outdoors and learn about our wildlife!’ – Ranger Stacey

Celebrating 50 years of parks, people, and protection as Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

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