West Indian Herping is a Trinidad & Tobago based wildlife conservation organisation working across research, conservation, wildlife education and nature-based experiences.
The organisation began with a strong focus on reptiles and amphibians, particularly animals that are often feared, misunderstood or overlooked. Over time, our work expanded to include arachnids, insects and other wildlife, along with broader biodiversity documentation and field-based conservation work.
Today, West Indian Herping also provides private wildlife experiences, workshops, research assistance and hosted group trips, both locally and internationally.
Our work is grounded in time spent in the field, documenting wildlife, supporting research and helping people better understand the animals and ecosystems around them.
Hukaymah Ali is a Trinidadian biologist, conservationist, and expedition guide with a passion for reptiles, amphibians, and the natural ecosystems of the Caribbean. Through education, ethical wildlife tourism, and field research, she aims to inspire a deeper appreciation and respect for some of the world’s most misunderstood animals.
She obtained her Biology degree from the University of the Southern Caribbean and is Director of West Indian Herping Organisation, an organization she founded in 2020 dedicated to the long-term preservation of West Indian reptiles and amphibians through conservation awareness, ecotourism, education, and research.
In addition to her work in wildlife conservation, Hukaymah is also a certified swim coach, freediver, and certified PADI Snorkel Guide with a strong passion for outdoor exploration and nature-based experiences. Her work combines science, adventure, and storytelling to create immersive wildlife experiences that connect people with the natural world in a meaningful and responsible way.
Shaquille George is a computer scientist by profession and serves as the Director and Project Manager of the West Indian Herping Organisation (WIHO). His work encompasses wildlife fieldwork as a technician, natural history, field ecology, and site management, with frequent exploration of the forests and natural landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago. Through field observation and documentation, he studies wildlife and the ecological interactions he encounters. His passion for natural history is rooted in a commitment to first understanding the natural world and then sharing that knowledge through education, research, and conservation. As an active contributor to Caribbean zoology and ecology, he also works to expand regional knowledge through scientific publications.
Shaquille is particularly passionate about the conservation of arachnids and felids (wild cats), including ocelots, and is committed to promoting greater appreciation and protection of these often-overlooked animals and their habitats. Through WIHO, he continues to work toward strengthening wildlife documentation, public awareness, research, and conservation efforts across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.