Zai Whitaker grew up in a family of naturalists, which ignited her interest in conservation at an early age. With ex-husband Rom Whitaker she helped start and develop several organisations and projects, including the Irula Women’s Society and the Madras Crocodile Bank/Centre for Herpetology, where she lives and works. Her other interest is education; she taught at the Kodaikanal International School for 18 years, and has been Principal of two schools. Zai writes for children on the environment and is the author of twenty books including Andamans Boy, Kali and the Rat Snake, Cobra in my Kitchen and Salim Mamoo and Me.