Shea Hayley

Upbringing
Shea was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  He was raised by his mother and sister in a house near the beach.  He has been interested in reptiles and animals as far back as he can remember.  As a child, he was very sick and unable to attend school.  So, he says he spent the majority of his time watching any animal program he could find on television.  His absolute favorite show was Crocodile Hunter – Steve Irwin was his idol.  His life revolved around everything Steve Irwin did on his show.  After a few years, his mother finally let him have a pet snake – which grew into a collection.  Shea bought his first anaconda at age 12.  He would often take the bus to a local pet store (while his mother was at work) to have animals and critters that he would find identified.  At 17, he was playing competitive paintball and working in an exotic reptile store.  Unfortunately, he was in a horrible car accident that left him with a fractured neck and back.  He then changed his focus from paintball to following his dream of being like Steve Irwin – and having his own television show. 

Professional Life
Shea started at Billie Swamp Safari in 2007 as a tour guide and snake handler.  He is also an alligator handler.

Personal Life
Shea has just enrolled in college where he is working on an associates degree in biology/zoology.  He hopes to eventually enroll in the University of Florida’s herpetology program.  He also spends lots of time caring for his 21 venomous and non-venomous snakes.

Hobbies
Shea’s life revolves around venomous snakes and reading books.