Ramesh Boonratana (aka Zimbo) obtained his Master’s degree in Anthropology from Panjab University in India, where he studied the social behaviour of the Rhesus Macaques; and his PhD in Biology from Mahidol University in Thailand studying the ecology and behaviour of the Proboscis Monkeys in North Borneo.

He worked for the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society for ten years until 1996. Initially as a field assistant and later working up his way up to become a Research Zoologist – carrying out wildlife surveys and studies in various parts of Southeast Asia – notably on large carnivores, the Sumatran Rhino, the Asian Elephant, Banteng, and threatened primates.

He spent the next ten years as an independent consultant to various international organisations and agencies, working in different parts of Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia. As a consultant, he carried out diverse assignments mostly relating to biodiversity conservation, ecosystems protection, training and capacity development, and tourism.

In 2006, he joined Mahidol University as a faculty member and continued to provide paid and gratis expertise consultations. In 2023, he resigned from Mahidol University to dedicate his remaining years to philanthropy. He also serves as the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group‘s Regional Vice-Chair for Southeast Asia and helps manage the Asian Primates Journal.

• Biodiversity Conservation & Ecosystem Protection
• Nature-based Solutions & Climate Mitigation Actions
• Protected Area & OECM Planning & Management
• Participatory Conservation & Natural Resources Co-Management
• Training & Capacity Development of Conservation Staff & Rightsholders
• Ecotourism, Sustainable, Responsible & Community-based Tourism
• Program & Project Monitoring & Evaluation
• Crisis Management & Troubleshooting Advisory
• Best Practices Guidelines & Policy Development
• Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility