The Impeyan Group started as Impeyan Productions twenty five years ago by Charles Mason whose vision was to share some of his private collection of exotic animals with people to encourage an interest in the natural world, promote conservation and to finance breeding projects for many rare and endangered animals. Allowing children and adults alike to directly interact with living creatures makes for a unique and fascinating occasion. The aim behind Charles’ original concept remains largely unchanged; the only real change is that everything is now on a larger scale. When booking an Impeyan party, you will see some remarkable creatures, have a great time and learn fascinating facts about the natural world. The company name is in memory of Charles' father and comes from a spectacularly plumed Himalayan pheasant which was a personal favourite of Charles' father.

Charles Mason

Charles has delivered his shows and presentations for over twenty five years and has been working with exotic animals for over fifty years. As a child, Charles was constantly around exotic and domestic animals due to his father's extensive work (his father, also a dedicated zoologist, was first to fly elephants and coordinated many movements of animals over the years - Charles was often allowed into the aircraft to help clean out and feed the animals while en-route). When in his teens, Charles' special effinity with big cats started culminating with him keeping three lions and other big cats on his parents dairy farm in Kingsbridge, South Devon. Charles then moved on to work in various zoos and wildlife parks, working with a large variety of different wildlife before leaving to share his passion with the public in a much more intimate and informative way.

Peter Prodromou

Peter has been working as a lecturer with Impeyan for over seven years. His passion for wildlife goes back to his early childhood giving him a natural effinity with both children and animals. Peter has been to numerous countries studying the wildlife. In 2006, Peter lectured to schools in Gambia on local indiginous wildlife - on one occasion, he rescued a highly venomous Gaboon viper from a kraal and took it for release in a safe environment. In Florida, Peter has also helped to relocate alligators from ponds too close to human habitation. His work closer to home also includes many television appearances, the most recent of which being the regular wildlife expert on

'The Paul O'Grady Show'.

Garg Williamson

During the latter part of Garg's formal education, he worked part-time in one of London's leading reptile establishements. On leaving school, he was offered and accepted full-time employment where he stayed until leaving to go into further education to attain a City and Guilds Diploma in Animal Care at Capel Manor College. As part of his college course, Garg went to work at Baton Rouge Zoo, Louisiana, USA. On his return to Britain and finishing his course he embarked on a career which has included employment with a number of zoos. Garg takes part in many outside activites and has many interests from practical conservation and travelling to hosting children's parties. In 2006 he joined Ben and a team to conquer the three highest peaks on mainland Britain in twenty four hours which they accomplished in a little over twenty hours. Garg also took part in the refurbishment of London Zoo's tiger enclosure. Garg has been with Impeyan for just over six years following a recomendation from Peter with whom he had worked with previously. Garg is energetic but soft natured. In addition to our standard CRB certification, Garg also holds a paediatric first aid certificate, is a National Pool Lifeguard and is a qualified trampoline coach.

Michael Fordham

Michael has had a passion for wildlife since he can remember and has always been surrounded by animals. In 2002 Michael left Oaklands College with an Animal Care qualification. He spent a year working in a reptile shop before joining the Impeyan team. Although Michael loves all wildlife he has a strong enthusiasm for reptiles, especially snakes which seems unbelievable because as a child he was terrified of them. In 2005 Michael achieved a life long ambition to go to east Africa on safari where he was lucky enough to go on a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara at dawn an experience he describes as “indescribable”.   In June 2008 Michael and Peter Prodromou  travelled to India in search venomous snakes to help a world renowned scientist with his ongoing study of these dangerous reptiles.  Michael is now planning to travel to South America in 2009 in search of more venomous snakes.