Testimonials

" Very very good course, I think the staff learnt a huge ammount in 3 days. Trevor's ability as a communicator and positive influencer is very high and I wish to engange him in my area of work in the DAERA Veterianry Service  - Humane Slaughter Team. The most oustanding element was Trevor's affable and encouraging way with all the trainees. All performances were positively interpreted and all feedback was to build up the trainee, NOT to discourage them. That entire course was excellent!" Keith Dalzell, Veterinary Surgeon & Leader of the Humane Slaughter Team, DAERA NI. 

"In September 2018, I attended the course run by Trevor and his team, along with two representatives from the PSNI. The first day we covered all the theory and legislation, to which Trevor was extremely knowledgeable. Trevor expanded substantially on the information he had already provided us with some weeks earlier in the form of a handbook, which in itself was extremely comprehensive. Trevor’s knowledge of animal behaviour, firearms, and ballistics combined all made perfect sense and he delivered his knowledge in a structured friendly manner that allowed me to absorb it all without being overwhelmed. The second day was entirely devoted to Firearms handling and use, through live fire exercises. This proved beyond measurable doubt that what we had learnt the day before was relevant and right. Trevor made me feel comfortable and safe and he has given me the confidence to use a firearm correctly, safely and competently. His knowledge and tips on improving my ability with a firearm have gone a long way to establishing our own team at Belfast Zoo.

After completing the course and reaching the pass and assessment standards that Trevor sets, I feel confident and reassured that I can deal with any escape scenario that we could potentially encounter. After working at Belfast Zoo for more than 30 years and having networked with colleagues throughout the world, I have never met anyone that brings the knowledge and experience that Trevor and his team bring to looking at escape scenarios and how zoos should develop their firearms teams. It is my opinion, that this training should be the minimum standard for all zoos holding Cat1 animals and that some of Trevor’s knowledge and understanding of how to deal with certain species in terms of firearms calibres and ballistics should be set as min standards for all zoos and potentially written into legislation.

Trevor has continued to assist us in with our own Firearms team and policies and continues to lend support!

A big thank you Trevor to you and your team!"

Andrew Hope, Curator

Belfast Zoo, Northern Ireland.

“After being on the firearms and rapid response team at Port Lympne Reserve for the last 13 years, I felt this training was extremely useful. It was practical and informative with regards to ballistics, shot placement on dangerous animals and escape situations, giving firearms holders proper training and practice under pressure. The theory helped me make sense of all the working mechanics for safe use and maintenance of firearms and ballistics, whilst the practical enabled us to learn time saving techniques.”

Richard Barnes, Animal Manager & Section Manager - Large Carnivores 

Port Lympne Reserve, Kent, U.K.

“Thanks for putting together the new training course for our firearms team Trevor. I have been on the parks’ Gun Team for over 30 years, and was a regular firearm user, but I really learnt a lot. Following our initial discussion about how inappropriate pump action shotguns using solid slugs were. I knew we needed to completely revise our training. Many of the staff on the Gun Team are relatively inexperienced and I have seen their confidence and competence grow immeasurably through this more structured training.”

Adrian Harland, Animal Director – Howletts Wild Animal Park, Kent, U.K.

“After being trained in South Africa on how to deal with dangerous animals in a close-range environment. The rifle handling course that I did while training to be a game ranger in South Africa only covered large calibres for short to medium ranged charging targets. The course that Trevor McKenzie runs is in depth and comprehensive, covering all aspects of working in a zoo environment with all types of firearms, the theory is excellent, and the practical gives you the confidence to cope under pressure. Trevor is great when teaching people and listens and answers questions well by guiding you step by step through the process. All in all, I finished the D.A.R.T. course feeling that I could handle myself much better in a zoo environment and under pressure by being able to make the right choices.”

Andrew Everitt, Deputy Head Ranger - Port Lympne Reserve, Kent , U.K

“Trevor Mckenzie has helped our keepers here at Port Lympne Reserve become more confident and proficient with the use of firearms, this includes myself, I find his style of teaching works very well with all the keepers at our Reserve. His knowledge and ability with a firearm is excellent, also his life experience in Africa gives him a unique perspective on firearm training.”

Simon Jeffery, Animal Director – Port Lympne Reserve, Kent, U.K.