Dave Salmoni

"I was right inside the moment of my death…"

When and where were you born?

September 4, 1975, in Sarnia, Ontario.

What's your earliest memory of being a biologist-in-the-making?

Out on a camping trip, us kids found a little bay that was perfect for frogs and snakes. We took them over to the cabin area – thought they'd be happier there. But they always seemed to go back to the bay. And we just couldn't understand why!

Have you ever been hurt by an animal?

I was mauled by Bongo [one of the world's most famous screen cats; the big male lion in Ghost in the Darkness, George of the Jungle, and many other films and commercials]. It was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced, by far. Usually fear is about what's coming next. With Bongo, there was no next – I was right inside the moment of my death… Apart from that one time, Bongo was the safest, most rewarding cat I ever worked with. I suppose he taught me that the safest cat is also the most dangerous. You can never lose focus. If Bongo can turn on you, any big cat can turn on you.

Of all the animals you've worked with, which do you remember as your all-time favorite?

Bongo holds a special place in my heart; he basically taught me how to be a trainer. Then I spent four years with Ron and Julie in Living With Tigers, watching them grow up… The wild lions in Into the Lion's Den [link to stills in Dave Salmoni Driven Programs] didn't have to interact with me like trained cats would, but they interacted anyway… Adam, the grizzly in Bear versus Elk [link to stills in Dave Salmoni Driven Programs] gave me a couple of lessons in humility – gently, luckily for me. Bears are so different to cats… The thrill of swimming with big sharks for the first time was overwhelming… Yeah, it's impossible to pick any one favorite!

How do you cope with saying goodbye to an animal you've grown fond of?

I'm not a fan of the long goodbye. I try to rip those feelings off like a band-aid.

Is it true you're vegetarian?

No way.

What's your favorite food?

Prime rib; apple crisp for dessert.

Do you have any superstitions?

When I'm working with a dangerous animal, if I have a dream that something bad happens, I won't work the next day.

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