Australian Jack Green (86) died suddenly in Norma Mastin’s home on November 15, 2017. Jack was born in Etalong, New South Wales, Australia on April 11, 1931. He was a 4th generation Australian. Jack has been coming to California for the holidays since 1995.
Jack was Curator of the Eric Worrell Reptile Park in Australia for 21 years where he took care of all of the animals, milked venomous snakes to make antivenom, and he put on the Saturday alligator show. He was the original “Crocodile Dundee”!
Jack was an excellent Nature photographer. He belonged to the Madera Camera Club, the San Joaquin Valley Camera Club Council, the Gold Rush Chapter of PSA, and the Photographic Society of America. He produced 2 programs on Australia that were presented at the PSA International Conferences.
Jack wrote three books—Crocodile Man, Shark Attack, and Your Aquarium. His photo of a Platypus is still on the 20 cent Australian coin, and photographs of his Kangaroos were on Australian stamps. He had many firsts. He was the first person to hatch and raise American alligators, and he also hatched deadly blue-ringed octopuses. He was the first person to photograph a Platypus under water with its eyes open.
Jack had a wonderful sense of humor and many great stories. He
loved his American friends. As he would say, “I love America, but I hate their politics!!” Jack will be long remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Jack is survived by Norma Mastin of Madera, CA, his sister Lorna Murray of Frederickton, Australia, his daughter Narelle Srisurapon of Narara, Australia and 2 granddaughters Andrea and Megan Srisurapon, also of Australia.
Jay Chapel is making arrangements to have the casket flown to Australia. Services will be held in Australia at the Anglican Church later this month. Visitation will be at Jay Chapel, Wednesday, November 22, 2017 from 3 to 5 PM.