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Scaling Up
Originally published as Snakeman over thirty years ago to great acclaim, this is a new, expanded edition.
From cobras in her kitchen to crocodiles in her backyard, Zai Whitaker has seen it all. For years, she and her ex-husband Rom Whitaker worked together for the conservation of reptiles and their habitat, and continue to do so as friends. Scaling Up is their story – funny, observant and a truly ‘wild ride’.
From cobras in her kitchen to crocodiles in her backyard, Zai Whitaker has seen it all. For years, she and her ex-husband Rom Whitaker worked together for the conservation of reptiles and their habitat, and continue to do so as friends. Scaling Up is their story – funny, observant and a truly ‘wild ride’.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 11, 2025
-Slithers of Stories-
Review of Scaling Up by Zai Whitaker
Zai Whitaker grew up in a family of naturalists, so conservation of wildlife was something she got into at an early age. With her ex-husband Rom Whitaker, she started several organisations like Irula Women’s Society and the Madras Crocodile Bank. She now writes for kids and has penned down this book which is brimming with her love for all things natures, particularly reptiles.
Originally published as Snakeman over thirty years ago, in Scaling Up, she has added a few new experiences. The book starts with drawing up her ex-husband Rom Whitaker's life, tracing him right from his childhood to his later agars. The author explains how he came to be enamoured with nature.
Whitaker has treated a subject so many of us consider scary with utmost delicateness. Right from writing about cobras in her kitchen to crocodiles in her backyard, she has tackled it all, seen it all. She and Rom have worked together for the conservation of reptiles and their habitat for decades. Scaling Up is a testament to their dedication and commitment.
The book is wholly dedicated to out slithering friend. It talks about cobras, the ocean reptiles, the rattlesnakes, their relationship with humans and how best to improve the attitude of public at large towards them. Kudos to the two of them for what they have been doing. Thank you for your kindness and I wish you both more power.
Review of Scaling Up by Zai Whitaker
Zai Whitaker grew up in a family of naturalists, so conservation of wildlife was something she got into at an early age. With her ex-husband Rom Whitaker, she started several organisations like Irula Women’s Society and the Madras Crocodile Bank. She now writes for kids and has penned down this book which is brimming with her love for all things natures, particularly reptiles.
Originally published as Snakeman over thirty years ago, in Scaling Up, she has added a few new experiences. The book starts with drawing up her ex-husband Rom Whitaker's life, tracing him right from his childhood to his later agars. The author explains how he came to be enamoured with nature.
Whitaker has treated a subject so many of us consider scary with utmost delicateness. Right from writing about cobras in her kitchen to crocodiles in her backyard, she has tackled it all, seen it all. She and Rom have worked together for the conservation of reptiles and their habitat for decades. Scaling Up is a testament to their dedication and commitment.
The book is wholly dedicated to out slithering friend. It talks about cobras, the ocean reptiles, the rattlesnakes, their relationship with humans and how best to improve the attitude of public at large towards them. Kudos to the two of them for what they have been doing. Thank you for your kindness and I wish you both more power.
December 5, 2024
I had to end my year on a few books on my wish list, and Scaling Up was amongst them. And the book has scaled up to the top of the books I read this year.
An in-depth record of the exceptional lives of Zai and Rom Whitaker, this book is a testament to how wildlife conservation happened in India by a handful of committed individuals, most of the times working despite the government. The book written in simple yet lucid language, with Zai’s signature humour, captures the reader from the first page and holds her in a tight grip till the last. For today’s nature lovers, the book is a great resource and peek into the lives and times of the first generation of conservationists in India.
I come from a family of naturalists, and grew up hearing (and meeting) some of the oft-repeated names in the book like Salim Ali, Kenneth Anderson, Zafar Fatehally, J. C. Daniel, Humanyun Abdulally and others. Me as well as my brother Saadat (to whom I have gifted the book) could relate on many levels with the anecdotes, from exploring leopards’ scat for porcupine quills to discussions about controlled exploitation of wildlife for conservation, like Rom did in 1970s with WWF.
The book is going to be my go-to gift to friends this year.
An in-depth record of the exceptional lives of Zai and Rom Whitaker, this book is a testament to how wildlife conservation happened in India by a handful of committed individuals, most of the times working despite the government. The book written in simple yet lucid language, with Zai’s signature humour, captures the reader from the first page and holds her in a tight grip till the last. For today’s nature lovers, the book is a great resource and peek into the lives and times of the first generation of conservationists in India.
I come from a family of naturalists, and grew up hearing (and meeting) some of the oft-repeated names in the book like Salim Ali, Kenneth Anderson, Zafar Fatehally, J. C. Daniel, Humanyun Abdulally and others. Me as well as my brother Saadat (to whom I have gifted the book) could relate on many levels with the anecdotes, from exploring leopards’ scat for porcupine quills to discussions about controlled exploitation of wildlife for conservation, like Rom did in 1970s with WWF.
The book is going to be my go-to gift to friends this year.
October 20, 2025
For conservationists of my generation and after, Rom is a demigod who shaped much of India’s herpetological research and conservation since the 1970s. Needless to say that a lot has been written about him over the decades, including in the first part of his own memoir (co-authored with Janaki Lenin), published last year. And so, it was refreshing to read not just about him, but also about the incredible Zai Whitaker, without whom — let’s be honest — the Madras Croc Bank Trust (and countless researchers and conservationists who started out as volunteers there) wouldn’t have existed! It was only through this book that I realised Zai’s immense contributions — all understated — to the field. And I have nothing but awe and respect for her.
This is a story told with so much heart, humour, and tenderness. If you ever come across a book written by Zai Whitaker, do yourself a favour and pick it up immediately.
This is a story told with so much heart, humour, and tenderness. If you ever come across a book written by Zai Whitaker, do yourself a favour and pick it up immediately.
January 3, 2025
This book broadened my understanding on reptiles and the initial challenges faced in their conservation efforts. From snakes to crocodiles, I learnt about prevalent taboos and their behaviour. Highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2025
the book is about the author and her close friends knowledge and efforts in protecting other species specifically in India
narration is like the movie forest gump; informative, time stamped without drama or goose bumps
narration is like the movie forest gump; informative, time stamped without drama or goose bumps
October 11, 2024
Zai is a living legend who is also a superb raconteur! This is a must read for anyone interested in conservation.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews