Meet the team who take care of all of our creatures!
Luke - Curator
“I gave up my existing job to chase a career I am passionate about.”
Luke’s background is actually as an air conditioning engineer, which comes in very handy when working with the chillers, heaters and pipework we have behind the scenes!
Luke has always been passionate about working with sea creatures and has kept marine fish at home for the past 8 years. His journey with SEA LIFE Manchester began as a member of the Guest Experience team, but on his days off he would come into the centre to volunteer alongside the Animal Care team to gain the experience he needed to become an Aquarist! He finally joined our team of Aquarists in 2018, became our Displays Supervisor in 2020, and became Curator in 2024.
- Favourite sea creature? “The Manta Ray: I was amazed by their size and grace when I saw them in Australia”
Ellie - Displays Supervisor
“I have always been fascinated by the Ocean as there is still so much to learn about it.”
Ellie studied Marine Biology and Bangor University, graduating in 2014, after which she travelled to Tenerife to volunteer in Whale and Dolphin conservation.
Ellie began her life at Sea Life Manchester on our Guest Entertainments team before being offered the role of Aquarist in 2016. She became our Lead Aquarist in 2023 and became Displays Supervisor in 2024.
- Favourite sea creature? “I would have to say Green Sea Turtles, especially Ernie due to his cheeky nature”
Shannon - Aquarist
“Diving introduced me to a whole new underwater world. I fell in love with it and wanted to educate others and protect it!”
Shannon studied Animal Management level 3 at Rotherham College before graduating first in a degree in Marine Biology at University of Hull. She then went on to do a Masters in Zoo Conservation whilst working on our Guest entertainments department and becoming a PADI Divemaster! Shannon joined our Animal Care Team in 2023.
- Favourite sea creature? “I have lots of favourite Sea creatures, but here, it would have to be the Cownose Rays! I love their individual personalities and their cute little faces”
Char - Aquarist
'I’ve always loved animals, and after travelling, that love turned into a real passion for conserving wildlife, especially marine species!'
Char gained her PADI Open Water qualification before studying Biology at the University of Manchester, followed by a Master’s in Global Conservation Biology at Manchester Metropolitan University. She joined the Animal Care Team in 2025!
- Favourite Sea Creature? 'It’s hard to pick just one! But I’d have to say whale sharks, they’re so majestic. Within our aquarium, my favourite is Ziggy the zebra shark, she’s so pretty and such a gentle giant!'
Matt - Aquarist
'I have always been fascinated by aquatic life and always wanted a career in marine conservation.'
Matt studied Zoology at Liverpool John Moore’s University before studying a Masters in Zoo Conservation Biology at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he did a placement at SEA LIFE Manchester. He joined the displays team in 2025.
- Favourite Sea Creature? 'It’s difficult to say, I have lots. I’ve always loved Arapima. In the aquarium, it would have to be the Porcupinefish, I love their cute faces and cheeky nature!'
