Richard Freeman (born Nuneaton, England, in 1970) is a cryptozoologist, author, zoological journalist, and WebTV Presenter. He is also Zoological Director of the Centre for Fortean Zoology (CFZ), and co-edits both the journal, Animals & Men and several editions of the annual CFZ Yearbook. Richard Freeman has written, co-written, or edited a number of books, and has contributed widely to both Fortean and zoological magazines, as well as other newspapers and periodicals, including Fortean Times and Paranormal Magazine.
He has also lectured across the UK at events such as the Fortean Times Unconvention, the Weird Weekend, Microcon and at museums such as the Natural History Museum and the Grant Museum of Natural History in London.
When interviewed by author Nick Redfern in 2005, Nick Redfern's "There's Something in the Woods..." Freeman claimed an early obsession with the classic science fiction series Dr Who (with Jon Pertwee) had sparked an interest in all things weird. After school he became a zookeeper at Twycross Zoo in the West Midlands and became head keeper of reptiles, working with more than 400 exotic species from ants to elephants (but with a special interest in crocodilians). After leaving the zoo, he worked in an exotic pet shop, a reptile rescue centre, and as a gravedigger.
In 1995, Freeman began studying zoology at Leeds University. Whilst on holiday from the university, he learned of the CFZ and bought a copy of the Centre’s journal Animals & Men, which left him impressed enough to subscribe and begin contributing. He eventually became the CFZ's Yorkshire representative and, once the course had ended, moved to Devon to become a full-time member of the Centre. He is now the Zoological Director and co-editor of Animals & Men.
Thailand in 2000 to look for a species of a giant crested snake known as the naga.
Sumatra in 2003 to search for an upright walking ape called orang-pendek.
Sumatra in 2004 again to look for the orang-pendek.
Mongolia in 2005 on the track of the Mongolian death worm.
The Gambia in 2006 to search for a dragon like beast known as Ninki Nanka.
Guyana in 2007 searching for giant anaconda, the di-di (a yeti like homonid), the water tiger (a spotted semi-aquatic, flesh eating mammal), and the bushmen, an unrecorded race of three foot pigmies with red faces. He also heard of what may be a tiny, new species of caiman with a red strip running along its back.
Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia in 2008, in search of the almasty, a relic hominid.
Sumatra in 2009 to search for the orang-pendek
Creatures hunted:
The Monster of Martin Mere, a 8 foot, swan-eating catfish in Lancashire.