Nanaimo News Bulletin
New top dog at SPCA

The pressures of command may be manifesting themselves early for Leon Davis, former manager of Sealife Adventure Aquarium in England, who brings a sense of humour to his new role as manager of Nanaimo and District SPCA.
CHRIS BUSH/The News Bulletin

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By Jenn Marshall - Nanaimo News Bulletin

Published: February 13, 2009 3:00 PM

Leon Davis has gone from caring for sharks and piranhas to kittens and puppies.

As Nanaimo and District SPCA’s new branch manager, Davis brings his skills and experience managing marine mammals at an aquarium and marine conservation centre in England.

“I really love working with the animals,” he said. “It’s such a good feeling to go home feeling like you’ve made a difference.”

Davis, 35, also has a background in public relations and business administration.

As manager of Sealife Adventure Aquarium, Davis spent time organizing promotional activities and connecting different organizations to the conservation aspect of the facility.

He moved to the Island several years ago after meeting the love of his life while visiting his parents in Chemainus.

Enjoying a pint at the Sportsman Bar in Ladysmith, he was approached by a woman who asked if he was a magician because he was dressed formally.

Luckily for him, he did know a few tricks.

Davis and his three cats – from a shelter in England – packed up and moved to Duncan.

For his first three years in Canada, Davis worked as a marketing consultant and production coordinator for a local film company, getting clients’ films on the market.

His vision is to do the same for Nanaimo and District SPCA – to ensure the community knows it is there and what it does.

“We’re a voice for the animals at the very heart of it,” said Davis. “But we’re also trying to get people to understand we’re also there to help educate them, answer questions. If we can start educating people more, there’s going to be a lot less issues we have to deal with.”

Davis also has big plans for expanding the shelter’s connections with other community groups and businesses, and creating new fundraisers.

From the Belly of the Beast, a belly dance fundraiser happening at Vancouver Island University May 16, is the next event planned, but Davis expects to have more events on the go soon.

He also hopes to make the dream of building a new, expanded shelter on Westwood Road a reality.

Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations with the B.C. SPCA, said Davis was hired for his range of skills and experience – important in an organization that relies on community donations.

“He’s got the business background as well as the animal care background and that’s quite rare in an individual,” she said. “He’s such an enthusiastic person. I think he’s going to come in with a new fresh energy.”

To contact Davis, please call the Nanaimo SPCA at 250-758-8444.

reporter@nanaimobulletin.com