About Roman Maddox
Founder & Executive Director
My mission is to educate and inspire people about the wonders of the animal kingdom from Africa’s majestic wildlife to the critters in our own backyards. As a voice, for those who can’t speak for themselves I believe that by fostering an emotional connection to wildlife we can cultivate a collective desire to respect and protect our natural world.
I was born in California and grew up in a loving home with my parents-my mom, originally from Indiana, and my dad from Kentucky. From an early age, I discovered a deep passion for wildlife, inspired by my mom's stories of her time working at the St. Louis Zoo. My dad sparked another lifelong interest: photography. Together, they nurtured the creative and curious spirit that drives me today.
Although I had always been passionate about animals, I initially followed a fairly conventional path into adulthood. I found myself working in the entertainment industry, managing over 60 employees. But over time, I realized that the things I had been chasing were mostly material goals. At 22, I took a leap and started my own company-which ultimately led me back to my true passion.
“Education is all about excitement!”
“If you manage to make learning a fun and exciting process, you will always have their full attention and commitment.”
“From a young age, Steve Irwin had a profound impact on my life. His boundless energy, deep love for wildlife, and fearless dedication to conservation sparked something in me that never faded. He made learning about animals exciting, and he showed the world that protecting them was not just important—it was urgent. Steve became my greatest inspiration and the foundation for my passion for wildlife and conservation. Years later, I had the incredible honor of meeting his family, and sharing how much their work has influenced me was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. Their continued efforts have only deepened my commitment to educating others and doing my part to protect the natural world.”