ROBIN James is a man who is passionate about all creatures.

In his time working for the park he has seen the Sea Life Park brand expand from three parks to 48 across the world.

Robin advises Merlin sites across the globe on animal ethics and husbandry.

The unassuming animal lover picks the great pacific octopus as his favourite sea creature.

He said: “They are amazing creatures and very intelligent.

“I also love the weedy sea dragons which we are attempting to breed. They are a very complicated species.”

Typical of Robin’s unusual working life is a trip to Peru this week where he will be looking at a conservation project involving the rehabilitation and release of manatees.

He said: “I go on long haul trips two or three times a year. I’m here to guide the animal husbandry.

“The park has changed a huge amount over the years.

“We get people coming from the beach with washed up jellyfish in bags asking if we can look after them.

“Years ago people would just kill them.

“I think you can try and educate people through documentaries but you can’t get any better than people coming to look at the animals and finding out what it’s all about.

“We call it ‘protect’ rather than conservation. A lot of young people don’t understand the word ‘conservation’.

Since he began at the park after graduating from a German university with a masters in fisheries science, Robin has seen many changes.

He said: “The park has grown a lot and has changed a huge amount.

“There are so many projects going on that are valuable such as the rescue and release of finless porpoises in Korea.

“I think I’ve stayed so long because of the interest I have in animals.

“I feel it’s very important to have that support and leadership in place for all our animals.

“We are very responsible to our animals.”

WEYMOUTH Sea Life Park is celebrating its 30th birthday this year with a two week extravaganza of birthday parties and celebrations.

There will be parties held every day from March 29 to April 14 and a special memorabilia room set up on site to relive the park’s bygone days.

Here, senior curator Robin James – who has been working at the park for 24 years and is its longest-serving staff member - tells the Echo why he continues to enjoy working at the attraction.