How did you come across Ajay Giri?
Ajay is the Field Director of one of our [Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/see box] field stations, the Rainforest Research Station in the Western Ghats [ARRS]. He joined ARRS as a volunteer on our king cobra telemetry project some 15 years ago, and it has been rewarding to watch his growth in terms of his skills as a rescuer; it means handling not just snakes, but people as well. 

You’ve written extensively about wildlife and the environment. Why was it important to share his story, especially with young readers?
Well, for one, he’s a great role model for children; a conservationist who has both the knowledge and passion to be effective. Also, as a writer, you want to share stories that move you, and this — his life and work — is certainly one of those stories that inspired me.