Meet John Berry, US Ambassador to Australia

He's a former zoo director from Washington DC who loves the outdoors and comes personally endorsed by US President Barack Obama.

John, 54, has a lion named after him in his home state of Washington DC.
He's a former zoo director from Washington DC who loves the outdoors and comes personally endorsed by US President Barack Obama.

John Berry, the new US Ambassador to Australia, says he wants to put science and conservation cooperation on the agenda as well as strengthening our "strategic alliance" with the US and increasing trade and investment.

Openly gay Berry recently married his spouse, Curtis Yee, in his home state.

Judging from this introductory video posted by the US Consulate in Canberra, he also has a penchant for knitted jumpers and amateur photoshop -- but Berry is no lightweight.

WATCH: US Ambassador John Berry's Welcome to Australia video



He previously oversaw 1.9 million civilian employees of the US federal workforce in his former position of Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and has also held senior posts in the US Treasury and Interior departments.

The 54-year-old has travelled to both the north and south poles. His new husband is a triathlete and former lawyer.

The couple have called on Australians to suggest places for them to visit while they're in the country.

"We both can't wait to explore your beautiful country," says Berry.




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