Who is Matt Wright? A man of many talents, Matt Wright's life is a tapestry of adventure, wildlife, and creativity. Born in South Australia, his early years were spent amidst the wild landscapes of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. From catching snakes as a child to wrangling crocodiles as an adult, his passion for wildlife has been a constant. His journey took him from Australia to the United States, where he pursued education and a career in wildlife management. Matt's knack for adventure led him to television, where he gained fame through shows like "Outback Wrangler" and "Big Croc Territory." Beyond the screen, he is a skilled photographer, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and a creator of survival gear. With a strong social media presence and a commitment to community involvement, Matt Wright continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
Key Takeaways:
- Matt Wright's diverse upbringing and education in Australia and the US shaped his passion for wildlife management, leading to global recognition through television and social media.
- From military training to wildlife relocation, Matt's career showcases his dedication and expertise, with a focus on survival skills, photography, and community involvement.
Early Life and Education
Matt Wright's journey began in the wild landscapes of Australia, where his fascination with wildlife took root. His upbringing and education played a significant role in shaping his career.
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Born in South Australia, Matt spent much of his childhood in far north Queensland and Papua New Guinea. These diverse environments fueled his love for nature.
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From a young age, he was captivated by wildlife, often catching snakes and spiders to keep in his bedroom.
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His education took him to various schools due to family relocations. He completed high school in Florida and earned a college degree in Texas.
Career in Wildlife Management
Matt's passion for wildlife led him to a career focused on managing and relocating wild animals. His work in this field has been both challenging and rewarding.
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After college, he began working in wildlife management, taking on roles like horse wrangling and crocodile egg collecting.
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His focus eventually shifted to relocating wild animals, a task that requires skill and bravery.
Television and Global Recognition
Matt's work caught the attention of television producers, leading to a successful career in the entertainment industry. His shows have reached audiences worldwide.
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His interest in television began while working as a mustering pilot in Canada during the early 2000s.
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Catching one of Australia's largest crocodiles brought him international fame and a series with National Geographic.
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By 2022, he had four seasons of a hit show and a deal with the Nine Network and Netflix for "Big Croc Territory."
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Often compared to Steve Irwin, Matt never aimed to be the next Crocodile Hunter. His goal was to excel in wildlife management.
Social Media and Government Recognition
Matt's influence extends beyond television, with a strong presence on social media and recognition from government entities.
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With over half a million Instagram followers, he ranked 35th in The Oz's Influence Index, highlighting Australia's top social media creators.
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The NT Government acknowledged him as a success story, providing $250,000 in production funding for his show, "Wild Croc Territory."
Personal Life and Military Background
Matt's personal life and military experience have shaped his character and career. His family and military service have been significant influences.
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He is married to Brooke, whom he proposed to during his first appearance on "Naked and Afraid."
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As a veteran of the United States Air Force, he joined the Special Operations Tactical Air Control Party but left after two years due to an injury.
Survival Skills and Knife Making
Matt's survival skills are well-honed, and he has turned his expertise into a business venture, creating reliable survival gear.
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His survival skills are showcased on "Naked and Afraid," where he spent 21 days in the Thailand jungle.
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In 2005, he founded Extreme Instinct, a custom knife brand, after witnessing the failure of commercially made knives.
Photography Career and Business Ventures
Beyond wildlife and survival, Matt has built a successful photography career and business ventures that reflect his diverse talents.
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He owns Wright Photo Studios in Worcester, working with colleges and businesses.
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Resilience has been key to his success, helping him navigate personal and professional challenges.
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His commercial space in Worcester includes two offices and a studio, where he offers advice to young photographers.
Community Involvement and Advice
Matt is committed to giving back to his community and sharing his knowledge with others. His involvement and advice have made a positive impact.
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He funds an academic achievement award at Worcester State University for aspiring journalism students.
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For business lunches, he avoids Ya Mama’s Vegan Cafe and Chashu Ramen & Izakaya.
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He advises college freshmen to embrace new opportunities, seek help when needed, and maintain connections.
Family and Personal Interests
Matt's family and personal interests have been a source of support and inspiration throughout his career.
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He has two sisters, and his parents still live in Florida, providing a supportive family network.
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He recommends visiting Casa Bonita in Denver, Colorado, for a fun experience.
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Despite his education in Florida and Texas, he always felt a connection to Colorado, returning to Lakewood in 2004.
Television Shows and Global Impact
Matt's television shows have reached a global audience, showcasing his work with wildlife and his adventurous spirit.
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He has appeared on "Naked and Afraid" multiple times, including Season 17 and "Naked and Afraid XL 3."
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His experience on the show inspired him to create survival gear he trusts.
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Extreme Instinct offers knives and gear tested to the max, ensuring reliability in demanding situations.
Veteran Training and Wildlife Relocation
Matt's military training and focus on wildlife relocation have been integral to his career, demonstrating his dedication and expertise.
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His Air Force training emphasized the importance of trustworthy tools, valuable in his survivalist and wildlife management roles.
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An injury forced him to leave the Air Force, but he continued to pursue his passions.
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His work in wildlife relocation, particularly with crocodiles, has been featured on television, earning international recognition.
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Shows like "Outback Wrangler" and "Big Croc Territory" follow him and his team as they wrangle crocodiles in the Northern Territory.
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His work has a global impact, with shows streamed on Netflix and a passionate international fanbase.
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The NT Government recognized him as a global export and success story, acknowledging his influence on social media.
Photography Portfolio and Community Funding
Matt's photography work and community funding initiatives reflect his commitment to excellence and giving back.
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His photography portfolio includes work with colleges, hospitals, and businesses, building trust with his subjects.
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His commercial space in Worcester serves as the headquarters for Wright Photo Studios.
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He funds an academic achievement award at Worcester State University, supporting aspiring journalists.
Business Advice and Personal Mission
Matt's business advice and personal mission focus on building trust and educating clients, making complex topics more accessible.
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He offers advice to young photographers, emphasizing resilience and client trust.
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His business card may say "agent," but he sees his role as educating clients about complex topics like insurance.
Family Support and Career Transition
Matt's family support and career transitions have been pivotal in his journey, allowing him to pursue his passions and help others.
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His family has been supportive, with his wife, Laura, transitioning from a teacher’s assistant to a full-time teacher during challenging times.
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He transitioned from a corporate job to working for Partners National Health Plans and eventually became an agent at Blue Bridge Benefits, valuing the opportunity to help others and be his own boss.
Matt Wright: A Life of Adventure and Impact
Matt Wright's journey is a testament to resilience and passion. From his early days in South Australia to his adventures in the Northern Territory, he's made a mark in wildlife management and television. His work with crocodiles, showcased in hit shows like "Outback Wrangler" and "Big Croc Territory," has captivated audiences worldwide. Beyond the screen, Matt's commitment to wildlife relocation and survival skills highlights his dedication to nature. His ventures, like the custom knife brand Extreme Instinct, reflect his drive for quality and reliability. Matt's influence extends to social media, where he connects with fans and shares his adventures. His photography career and community involvement further demonstrate his multifaceted talents. Through it all, Matt's family has been a pillar of support, underscoring the importance of personal connections. His story inspires those who dare to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
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