Chennai: Padma Shri for Whitaker gladdens ecologists' hearts

Chennai: Ecologists and wildlife biologists in Chennai celebrated as the news of herpetologist Romulus Whitaker being conferred Padma Shri made rounds.

There were exchange of greetings at the Chennai Snake Park and Madras Crocodile Bank, where the renowned Whitaker spent his young days documenting the snake and other crocodile species.

Award winning filmmaker and herpetologist Whitaker is hailed as "The Snake man of India" and devoted more than six decades for reptile conservation. He has explored the venomous snakes of India and their habitats covering the length and breadth of the country.

His special documentary on King Cobra is a globally acknowledged film and Whitaker through his Madras Crocodile Bank has succeeded in breeding the endangered crocodile species. It has based on his advice and expertise the Madras Crocodile Bank started specializing in incubating the eggs of rare snakes and Gharial, an endangered crocodile endemic to Chambal and Ganges in north India.

“It’s a good news for all those belonging to the conservation family and as a herpetologist I feel elated for Romulus Whitaker being conferred for the top award by the centre,” said Mr Rajarathinam, director, Chennai Snake Park.

In 1972, Romulus Whitaker established the Chennai Snake Park Trust. 
The 74-year-old born American took up Indian nationality and is a popular face among the residents of Chengalpet, where he developed the Madras Crocodile Bank.