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Quick takeaways
- Stamford Raffles was an ambitious figure credited with the founding of Singapore and London Zoo, but controversies surround his legacy and his involvement with the abolition of slavery.
- Joan Proctor, the first female curator of reptiles, overcame gender bias to make significant contributions to the London Zoo, particularly with her work on Komodo dragons.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Raffles: Founder of Singapore and London Zoo
Singapore's founding father, Sir Stamford Raffles, is celebrated for establishing the country as a British trading port and for his involvement in the founding of London Zoo. Raffles was an ambitious and determined individual, highly regarded for his contributions to zoological science and conservation. While his scientific organization has evolved into a global conservation charity, his character was not without flaws. Despite being credited with the abolition of slavery, there are historical disputes about his involvement. Additionally, Raffles' complex legacy is intertwined with the British East India Company, which played a significant role in colonizing Southeast Asia. Overall, Raffles' aspirations and achievements, along with the controversies surrounding them, make him a fascinating figure to study.
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