Dr. John Thorbjarnarson with a wild Chinese Alligator (Photo: John Thorbjarnarson)

We are very sad to learn that Dr. John Thorbjarnarson – champion of the endangered Chinese Alligator – passed away on February 14^th.  Dr. Thorbjarnarson was a Senior Conservation Scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society and a world-renowned expert on crocodiles, alligators, anacondas, turtles and other species  of reptile.  He worked tirelessly throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia to ensure their protection and conservation.  Dr. Jane Goodall had the opportunity to speak with John a few times and has described him as a wonderful person and staunch advocate for crocodilians.

You can learn more about John in a posting by the New York Times and read Jane’s chapter on the Chinese Alligator here .

With the generous support of John Thorbjarnarson’s family, WCS has established a memorial fund in John’s honor to promote the conservation of the world’s endangered crocodilians.  Donations for the fund can be made online (https://secure3.convio.net/wcs/site/Donation2?df_id=1883&1883.donation=form1), or can be mailed to:

Wildlife Conservation Society
John Thorbjarnarson Memorial Fund
Global Conservation Department
2300 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10460