Raymond Gilmore | |
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Born | Raymond Maurice Gilmore January 1, 1907 Ithaca, New York |
Died | December 31, 1983 San Diego, California | (aged 76)
Nationality | American |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Zoology, Cetology |
Institutions | Rockefeller Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego Natural History Museum |
Raymond Maurice Gilmore (1 January 1907 - 31 December 1983) was an American zoologist and a recognized authority on whales. He conducted the first census of California gray whales and is credited with creating public interest in their conservation by leading the earliest whale-watching excursions for the San Diego Natural History Museum.[1][2][3] Guiding groups of whale-watchers beginning in 1958, Gilmore was the first onboard naturalist in San Diego; he continued his popular excursions for 25 years.[4] Known as the father of whale watching, Gilmore was the leading expert on California gray whales.[5]