Bitten, but never bitter

The Star

4 days ago

THE saying 'once bitten, twice shy' may ring true for most – but not for crocodile conservation officer Dr Sai Kerisha Kntayya.
The 38-year-old Penangite, who moved to Sabah in 2004 after her father was transferred there for work, has been working with crocodiles since 2017.
And yes, she's been bitten. Twice.
'Of course it hurts – their teeth are sharp,' said Sai.
The mother of two girls, aged three and five, added that she's also fallen into the river more than once during night surveys.
But none of it has stopped her from doing what she loves.
In conjunction with World Crocodile Day last month, Sai, who works with the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), shared that safety is the biggest challenge in her line of work.
Sai with a baby crocodile during a night survey.
'Crocodiles are powerful animals. Capturing and tagging them takes serious planning,' she said.
'I depend 100% on my team – every person plays a critical role in making sure things run smoothly and safely.'
Some capture missions can stretch over three hours.
'One small mistake can have serious consequences. So trust and teamwork are essential.'
Still, she says the fieldwork brings unforgettable moments: 'You learn to live with the wild – and that means close encounters with elephants, orang utans, bearded pigs, snakes, otters ... and so much more.'
'Every moment like that is a gift,' she said.
'A reminder of what we stand to lose if we don't protect what's left.'
Besides the physical risks, Sai faces other challenges too: tough logistics, unpredictable weather, faulty equipment, long stints in remote areas and being away from family.
But the most emotionally draining part?
'Dealing with public fear and misunderstanding,' she said.
'Many still see crocodiles as pests or threats – and demand they be removed whenever they show up.
'What's missing is the understanding that saltwater crocodiles belong in our rivers and seas. They're not intruders.'
That's why, for Sai, outreach is as crucial as research.
'Education and awareness are just as important as data collection and fieldwork,' she said.
As a woman in science, particularly in a field involving large, potentially dangerous animals, Sai says she's had to overcome assumptions.
'People sometimes question whether women can handle the physical demands, or balance motherhood with research. But I believe women bring invaluable strengths to conservation – empathy, attention to detail, resilience, leadership.'
'We just need the space and support to thrive.'
And for young people dreaming of a future in science or nature?
'You don't need to have all the answers, and you certainly don't need to be fearless,' she said.
They just need to care deeply, stay curious and be open to learning, and they might just find themselves falling in love with something they never expected, she added.
Science, she says, is for everyone, and this planet – with all its wild, wonderful creatures – needs all of us.
Looking back, Sai says her path was anything but predictable.
'If you'd asked me years ago if I ever imagined working with crocodiles, I'd have laughed. That would've been a definite no.'
But she always knew she wanted to work with wildlife.
'So when the opportunity came, I took it.'
Over time, she grew to understand crocodiles – and with that came deep respect.
Today, these reptiles have a special place in Sai's heart, as she believes that if one opens their heart to something new, they may discover an entire world of meaning and connection.