Romulus Whitaker
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Romulus Whitaker is a herpetologist, wildlife conservationist and founder of the Madras Snake Park, The Andaman and Nicobar Environment Trust (ANET), and the Madras Crocodile Bank.
[edit] Early life
Born in New York, Romulus Whitaker arrived in India when he was seven years old after completing his early schooling in the United States. He stayed for a short time in Mumbai before moved to Kodaikanal in Tamilnadu to continue his schooling in the International School. Later he returned to the US for college education. He graduated with a degree in wildlife management from Wyoming University.
Before becoming a fulltime conservationist, Whitaker worked in Merchant navy and a short stint in the US Army. His work with United Nations has taken him to places like Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Java.
[edit] Work in India
Whitaker was the founder director of the Snake Park, Guindy, Chennai. The park was conceived to rehabilitate the Irula tribe who are known for their expertise in catching snakes. The tribals were left jobless after the ban of snake trading. Whitaker helped the Irula tribe to get involved in extracting snake venom used for the production of antivenom drugs. Currently he is associated with the Center for Herpetology, popularly known as the Madras Crocodile Bank. The Madras Crocodile Bank is actively involved in a crocodile breeding program.
His wildlife documentary King Cobra made for National Geographic won him an Emmy award. He has also authored several books on reptiles , more specifically on snakes, and has recently co-authored a comprehensive field guide, titled "Snakes of India - The Field Guide" on the Snakes of India published till date.
Whitaker is currently coordinating an effort to save the Gharial (Gavialus gangeticus); a species on the brink of extinction with less than 250 individuals left in Indian waters.
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