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Last Museum Taxidermist Keeps Animals Alive
12 May
Summary
- He's the last full-time museum taxidermist in the U.S.
- Bovard meticulously crafts lifelike dioramas and displays.
- He has worked at the Natural History Museum since 1984.
Tim Bovard, aged 72, stands as the United States' sole full-time museum taxidermist. His career began in childhood, evolving from a youthful fascination with taxidermy to a lifelong dedication.
Since 1984, Bovard has been a cornerstone of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. His responsibilities include maintaining century-old animal mounts, updating dioramas for greater realism, and designing new exhibits.
Bovard’s craft involves not only preserving animals but also meticulously recreating their natural habitats. He uses techniques like vacuum forming to create thousands of leaves and understands animal behavior to pose them accurately.
His commitment is profound; he frequently sleeps at the museum to closely monitor and adjust his work as glue sets, especially for complex displays like the lion family or jaguar scenes.
Despite his advanced age, Bovard has no immediate plans for retirement, with an orangutan mount and numerous environmental details still to be created for the museum's extensive collection.
