From Giraffes and Elephants to Real Estate: Colin and Karen Wallbank’s Inspiring Journey

From caring for majestic giraffes at world-renowned zoos and posing for an elephant’s painting, to guiding homeowners through their property journeys, Colin and Karen Wallbank have travelled a unique and inspiring career path. What started with a passion for animals has evolved into a thriving business in the real estate industry.

Colin began his career at Whipsnade Zoo in England in 1978, fulfilling a childhood dream at just 16 years old.

Years later, he relocated to Perth in July 1991 to join Perth Zoo as a Specialist Hoofstock Keeper, where he met Karen, who worked as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Zoo Board.

Their shared time at the zoo was filled with milestone moments, including the opening of the African Savannah exhibit, elephant painting (pictured with Karen), and, perhaps most memorably, hand-raising a giraffe named Bele.

Reflecting on this experience, Colin shared, “The picture is of me and the giraffe we hand-raised. Yes, we slept in the barn with him, bottle feed him. This was Bele.” Karen added, “Bele' was the 'zoo name.’

His actual name was chosen through a naming competition; the winner was Jandamarra, named after a little boy who was a burns victim.”

Karen and Colin’s time at Perth Zoo wasn’t just a career highlight but also a period of personal growth and preparation for their future endeavours.

Colin rose through roles to become Acting Director of Life Sciences, learning critical management and leadership skills along the way. “I had the chance to work with one CEO who became a mentor for me.

She gave me opportunities to grow, and those experiences have shaped the business leader I am today,” Colin remarked.

Their transition into the real estate industry in 2001 came with its own unique challenges, but Colin and Karen found surprising parallels between managing zoo animals and leading a successful real estate agency.

“When you look after animals, their daily care and wellbeing are your responsibility. That genuine care and commitment to the process are skills that translate directly to working with clients in real estate.

You focus on the care and process, and the results take care of themselves,” Colin explained.

Beyond selling homes, the Wallbanks are deeply invested in mentoring their team and providing an empathetic, client-first approach.

Karen notes, “Much like managing a team of keepers who are emotionally tied to the animals they care for, we need to understand the needs of both our staff and our clients. Selling a house can be incredibly stressful, and our role is to guide people through that process with understanding and expertise.”

From hand-raising endangered species to helping clients achieve their property goals, Colin and Karen’s story is a testament to the value of transferable skills, empathy, and putting genuine care at the centre of everything they do.