Manny Puig

Manny Puig established himself as a leading wildlife entertainer after collaborating with Mehgan Heaney-Grier and Mark Rackley in the late 1990s. During this period, Puig worked to train Grier as a free diver and filmed numerous underwater encounters with dangerous animals such as alligators and sharks. He further developed his expertise as an animal handler on various movie sets, mastering techniques for interacting with alligators in their natural habitat. This work led to the formation of their company, Extreme Encounters, which produced footage that became the Animal Planet series ‘Extreme Contact.’ The 20-episode series, which aired from 2000-2001, showcased the trio’s distinctive cage-free interactions with sharks, alligators, and other aquatic wildlife, highlighting Puig’s unique approach to handling dangerous animals without safety gear.

From 2009 to 2013, Puig showcased his extensive knowledge as the writer and host of the Outdoor Channel’s series ‘Savage Wild.’ His expertise was also sought after for Animal Planet’s ‘Gator Boys’ in 2012, and he has been featured in various documentaries and on ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien,’ reinforcing his status as a go-to authority on wildlife. Manny Puig’s extensive career underscores his unique ability to engage with formidable wildlife, leveraging his hands-on techniques and deep understanding of animal behavior for both educational and entertainment purposes. As an accomplished actor, writer, and producer, he continues to be a highly marketable talent, known for delivering authentic and thrilling animal encounters that captivate global audiences across diverse media platforms.