Romulus Whitaker advances snake conservation in South India

Romulus Whitaker, an 81-year-old conservationist, has dedicated his life to reptiles after a childhood encounter with a harmless snake. He founded four major conservation institutions in South India, including the Chennai Snake Park and Madras Crocodile Bank. Whitaker's work began in the late 1960s, a time when wildlife conservation was not prioritized in India. He faced challenges but gained support from the World Wildlife Fund and local industrialists, leading to the growth of his initiatives. Today, he emphasizes the importance of education in preventing snake bites, which still claim many lives in India. His efforts have also helped the Irula community, turning them from snake hunters into venom producers for antivenom, saving countless lives.