Zai Whitaker

The Zai Whitaker column | Tragedy on Great Nicobar; a story of the 2004 tsunami in two parts

The 15-metre wave came with a roar of rage. Saw Agu remembers the sound, and the accompanying sound of breaking trees as the water bulldozed its way through the forest.

The Zai Whitaker column | A lockdown despatch from the Madras Crocodile Bank

Of enclosure manoeuvring, felled trees, and rescued cobras: An account of three action-packed months at the Madras Crocodile Bank while in lockdown.

The Zai Whitaker column | In defence of zoos, and why the post-pandemic world needs them more than ever

The role of zoos as conservation centres has continued to develop over the years and today, many species have been brought back from the brink thanks to zoo initiatives.

The Zai Whitaker column | Trailing Ajay Giri (from a safe distance) while on a King Cobra rescue mission

Agumbe is a unique example of how dangerous animals and people (even more dangerous) can live peacefully together. The key piece is Ajay Giri.

The Zai Whitaker column | On World Environment Day, looking back at lessons by the greatest teacher of all — time

Us folks in the conservation field would do well to use this lockdown time, to look back at what Time has tried to teach us collectively, as a country | Zai Whitaker writes in a humorous, introspective essay for #WorldEnvironmentDay

The Zai Whitaker column | Notes on camping with crocodiles, and watching baby muggers hatch

Over 10 ft long, the marsh crocodile's barrel-like body folds into the contours of the bank and as he moves, a black-crowned night heron moves as well… just a tiny bit. Not, to my human eyes, far enough, but then animals and birds always seem to know what they’re doing, unlike another species which shall not be mentioned.| Zai Whitaker writes