Raymond Gilmore
Raymond Gilmore | |
|---|---|
Raymond M. Gilmore (photo: San Diego Natural History Museum Research Library) | |
| Born | Raymond Maurice Gilmore January 1, 1907 Ithaca, New York |
| Died | December 31, 1983 (aged 76) San Diego, California |
| 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. 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. Known as the father of whale watching, Gilmore was the leading expert on California gray whales.