Carolyn grew up on a farm surrounded by animals. But today, instead of caring for horses and steers, she’s now “chief bush guide” to mobs of joeys, boomers and flyers – otherwise known as kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos. It’s all in a day’s work for Lantz, founder and president of Aussie Kingdom in Elizabeth, Colorado.

    Lantz passionately believes in creating opportunities for people to connect with animals on a personal level. “We’re more likely to preserve and protect what we know” she says, speaking of her work with the creatures of Aussie Kingdom. She’s gained this perspective after more than 26 years of animal handling and stage management as president of Noah’s Ark, a traveling petting zoo of farm animals; and Turtleville, a live production featuring turtles and tortoises.

   “I’ve worked with kids and adults who’ve never interacted with animals and treat them like toys at first,” Lantz says. “By modeling gentleness and respect, our guests learn to appreciate each animal’s special qualities. “It’s normal for some guests to sit by our animal’s pens and watch them for hours. People really do gain a sense of calm by just being near them.”

   Lantz discovered her calling after working for more than a decade as a volunteer firefighter and emergency room technician. She also spent nearly 15 years in the corporate world of financial services. These experiences honed a rare level of service and professionalism valued by many long- time clients.

   In addition to traveling the U.S. as the Aussie Kingdom tour guide, Ms. Lantz is active in the Parker, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, the International Association of Fairs and Expos and the Western Fairs Association.

 

Carolyn Lantz