By profession, Pradip Goundalkar is a tailor. But beyond the sewing machine, the Valpoi resident has earned a remarkable reputation as one of Goa’s most dedicated snake rescuers, having saved more than 10,000 snakes over the past decade.
His extraordinary journey is a testament to courage, selfless service and a deep commitment to wildlife conservation, making him a trusted name whenever a snake enters a human settlement.
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Pradip Goundalkar, who runs a modest tailoring shop in Valpoi, has been rescuing snakes since 2014. Over the years, he has safely captured and released more than 10,000 snakes, including 89 king cobras, over 500 Russell’s vipers and around 1,000 cobras, helping prevent countless instances of conflict between humans and wildlife.
His passion for snake rescue began after attending a workshop conducted by renowned snake rescuer Amrut Singh, inspiring him to dedicate himself to protecting both reptiles and the public.
Despite facing immense personal risks, including surviving a life-threatening king cobra bite, Goundalkar has continued his rescue work without charging any fee. He receives no government incentive or insurance coverage for the hazardous service he provides, yet remains committed to answering distress calls from across the region.
According to Goundalkar, public awareness about snake conservation has improved significantly over the years, with more people now choosing to contact trained rescuers instead of killing snakes out of fear.
He believes the increasing sightings of king cobras near residential areas are linked to the expansion of cashew plantations, which attract rodents—the snake’s prey—as well as the scarcity of water sources inside forests during the summer months, forcing wildlife closer to human habitation.
Goundalkar emphasises that rescuing venomous snakes demands absolute concentration and expertise, as even a brief lapse in attention can result in a fatal bite.
Known for his humility and quiet dedication, Pradip Goundalkar continues to balance his profession as a tailor with his mission of wildlife conservation, choosing service to society and environmental protection over recognition or publicity. His remarkable contribution has earned him the admiration and respect of the local community while helping foster greater coexistence between humans and wildlife in Goa.
