Meeting Milo

Meeting Milo

Actor Milo Parker played Gerald ‘Gerry’ Durrell in popular ITV drama series The Durrells and is an ambassador of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Following a stint at Jersey Zoo doing work experience, Milo answers some questions about animals, acting and his role as an ambassador.

HOW DID YOU BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR DURRELL? I was first asked to be an ambassador by Lee Durrell in early 2016. I’d finished filming the first series of The Durrells and I was doing a lot of press work promoting the series before its launch, much of which was with Lee. I’d gone over to Jersey Zoo to see Gerry’s work and how it was being continued today and started to build a great relationship with Lee. I started going to fundraisers and Durrell events and Lee invited me to become an ambassador for the Trust. I was so surprised and delighted. It’s such an honour to be able to contribute to Durrell in my small way!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO ACTING?

It’s a real cliché, I’m afraid. I’d done a Year 4 school play, I think I was about nine or ten. We did a play set in the Middle Ages and I absolutely adored getting up on stage and playing around with my character. I was never into sports or anything and found something I really loved doing and wanted to continue, so I signed up to a small theatre company near where I live. It was run by Beth Braidford and her husband, Andrew who is one of the founding members of the BWH Agency. Long story short, I ended up signing with the agency. I was really lucky to be given such an amazing opportunity.

DO YOU THINK PLAYING GERRY HAS INFLUENCED YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS ANIMALS AND NATURE?

A hundred percent. When we started filming, I had no idea about the incredible legacy that Gerry had created and the work that still goes on today that was inspired by him. Since playing Gerry, I’m fascinated by conservation and the amazing work that Durrell does, not just at Jersey Zoo but all around the world. It’s also made me realise the responsibility we all have to preserve nature and do all we can to be kind to animals and the planet.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE AT JERSEY ZOO?

I was so lucky to be able to do my work experience at Jersey Zoo. It was a really busy week, but so interesting and enjoyable. I worked with most of the animals, from the lemurs to the orangutans. At the start of each day, I’d help the keepers with feeding the animals and getting them ready for when the zoo opened. I loved getting up close to the animals and seeing how dedicated the keepers are. I never realised how much work goes on behind the scenes to ensure the animals are comfortable and happy. The only bit I wasn’t too keen on was the poo shovelling, which I had to do every morning. Still, needs must!

I also went to the launch party of the ‘Go Wild Gorillas’ trail. All the finished gorillas were lined up in one room and it was the first time they’d all been seen together, which was fantastic. On my way to the airport to go home, I spotted a few and got some pictures. My favourite one was the Gerald Durrell themed gorilla. Thankfully, it was on display outside the zoo entrance, so I got some good photos!

DO YOU THINK ‘THE DURRELLS’ HAS INSPIRED MORE PEOPLE TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE OUR PLANET?

I hope it has. The show has helped people, including myself, notice Gerry’s incredible legacy and the work being carried out in his name. It has raised awareness of the difficulties facing us and our planet and what we must do to preserve our biodiversity and nature. It’s humbling to be involved with raising this crucial awareness.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL AT JERSEY ZOO?

Personally, I love the lemurs. We had two lemurs in series 4 and they were an absolute joy to work with. I got to help care for them when I was on work experience and learn all about them. They are so gorgeous and cute! I also loved working with the orangutans who were, despite being a bit smelly, completely adorable.

IF YOU COULD VISIT ANY OF THE DURRELL REWILDING SITES WHICH WOULD IT BE?

I’d love to be able to visit the Sumatra rainforest. I’m fascinated by the orangutans and think that it is crucial we do all we can to help conserve this fast-disappearing species. Avoiding palm oil in the food we choose is a really good first step!

WHAT ROLES HAVE YOU GOT LINED UP NEXT?

I’m doing my A-Levels at the moment, so I’m focussing on those for the moment. I’ve started doing auditions for work next year so fingers crossed I’ll be able to start acting again soon, I really miss it!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL ON SET?

Every year I always say that Mossup the dog (who plays Roger) is my favourite but, as much as I adore her, she may have been taken over by the gorgeous barn owls we worked with on series 4. There’s only one owl in the show, but we used two throughout filming. They were called Twit and Twoo and were an absolute dream to work with. I was amazed by how well-behaved they were and, to my surprise, I didn’t get weed on!