Francis Charles Fraser facts for kids

Francis Charles Fraser (born June 16, 1903 – died October 21, 1978) was a famous Scottish zoologist. He was one of the world's top experts on cetacea, which are whales and dolphins. He worked at the British Museum (Natural History) from 1933 to 1969.

Life and Work

Early Life and Education

Francis Charles Fraser was born in Dingwall, Ross-shire, Scotland. His father, James Fraser, was a master saddler and blacksmith. His mother was Barbara Anne Macdonald.

He went to school at Dingwall Academy. Later, he studied at the University of Glasgow.

Studying Whales and Dolphins

After university, Fraser worked for the British government's Discovery Committee. From 1925 to 1933, he studied whale populations around the Falkland Islands. This work helped understand how many whales were in the oceans.

In 1933, Fraser joined the British Museum (Natural History). He started as an assistant in the zoology department. Soon, he became a specialist in whale research.

Museum Contributions

Fraser was very important at the museum. In 1938, he helped set up a huge model of a blue whale. This model was a big attraction in the museum's whale hall.

He spent most of his career studying whales. Even after he retired in 1969, he kept doing research. He looked into why whales got stranded on the British coast. He also did important work on how marine mammals, like whales and dolphins, hear.

Awards and Recognition

During Second World War, Fraser worked for the Admiralty. He helped with important tasks for the navy.

He became the Keeper of Zoology at the Natural History Museum from 1957 to 1964. This was a very important job. In 1962, he was given the CBE award (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). In 1966, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists. He also received the Polar Medal in 1942 for his work in polar regions.

Two things are named after him to honor his work:

• Fraser's dolphin
• Fraser Point