Richard Freeman
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Richard Freeman (born Nuneaton, England, in 1970) is the zoological director of the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ). An early obsession with the classic ScFi series Doctor Who, with Jon Pertwee in the title role, sparked an interest in him or all things weird.
After school he became a zookeeper at Twycross Zoo in the West Midlands and became head keeper of reptiles. He worked with over 400 exotic species from ants to elephants but had a special interest in crocodilians. He left the zoo a few years later through a violent dislike of the management and their attitude to both animals and keepers. He then worked in an exotic pet shop, a reptile rescue centre, and as a gravedigger.
In 1995 he took a degree in zoology at Leeds University. It was whilst he was on a summer holiday from the university that he first heard of the CFZ. Upon buying a copy of the Centre’s journal Animals & Men he was impressed enough to subscribe and begin writing for the publication. Subsequently he became the Yorkshire representative of the CFZ.
After the course had ended he left Leeds and moved down to Devon to become a full time member of the CFZ. He is now the Zoological Director and co-editor of their journal.
Richard has undertaken a number of cryptozoological expeditions including…
Thailand in 2000 to look for a species of giant crested snake known as the naga. Sumatra in 2003 to search for the upright walking ape orang-pendek. Sumatra in 2004 again to look for the orang-pendek. Mongolia in 2005 on the track of the deathworm. The Gambia in 2006 to search for a dragon like beast known as ninki-nanka.
In many cases he has been the first westerner to visit certain places such as remote, unexplored caves, valleys and oasis.
Richard has also hunted monsters close to home including…
The Monster of Martin Mere, an 8 foot, swan eating catfish in Lancashire.
The Loch Ness Monster, possibly a giant eel.
The Monster of Loch Morar, again probably a giant eel
The Monster of Windermere in the Lake District, once more almost certainly a huge eel.
Richard has published two books, Dragons: More Than a Myth? From CFZ Press and Explore Dragons from Heart of Albion Press. As well as writing for Animals & Men he is a regular contributor to Fortean Times.
Richard has made numerous television appearances and lectures up and down to country on strange beasts at events including the Fortean Times Unconvention and the CFZ’s own Weird Weekend.
He is interested in gothic and new wave music, collects books and comics, and is still a devoted fan of Doctor Who.
[edit] Reference
BBC news report, The Center for Fortean Zoology Gambia expedition 2006: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/5180404.stm
UK Metro newspaper interview: http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/interviews/article.html?in_article_id=11204&in_page_id=11
Mongabay report, the Center for Fortean Zoology Mongolia expedition 2005: http://news.mongabay.com/2005/0503-rhett_butler.html
Fortean Times article, 'In Search of Orang-pendek' Sumatra Expedition report: http://www.forteantimes.com/articles/182_orang1.shtml
BBC report, Martin Mere, 2002: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2155462.stm
