Carl Akeley
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Carl Ethan Akeley (19 May 1864 - 17 November 1926) was a taxidermist, artist, biologist, conservationist, and nature photographer, noted for his contributions to American museums, most notably to the American Museum of Natural History.
He was born in Clarendon, New York and grew up on a farm, attending school for only three years. He learned taxidermy from David Bruce in Brockport, New York and then entered an apprenticeship in taxidermy in Rochester, New York. While working in museums in Milwaukee and Chicago he developed his innovative techniques of taxidermy, perfecting a "cement gun" for improving exhibits.
Akeley specialized in African mammals, particularly the gorilla and the elephant. As a taxidermist, he developed the technique of fitting the skin over a carefully prepared and sculpted form of the animal's body, producing very lifelike specimens. He also displayed the specimens in groups in a natural setting. Many animals that he preserved he had personally collected.
In 1909 Akeley accompanied Theodore Roosevelt on an expedition to Africa and began working at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where his efforts can still be seen in the Akeley African Hall.
He improved the motion picture camera for working in nature. Akeley also wrote several books, including stories for children. He was awarded more than thirty patents for his inventions.
He instigated the establishement of a preserve for gorillas in Rwanda.
Akeley died of a fever in the Congo during his fifth expedition to Africa. He is buried in Africa. His wife Mary Jobe Akeley, married him two years before he died. He had previously been married to Delia J. Akeley (1875-1970) for nearly twenty years. Delia Akeley accompanied him on two of his biggest and most productive safaris to Africa in 1905 and again in 1909. Delia later returned to Africa twice under the auspices of the Brooklyn Museum of Arts and Sciences. She organized and led both trips and lived for several months in the Ituri Forest with Pygmies.
References
- Bodry-Sanders, Penelope, 1998, African Obsession, The Life and Legacy of Carl Akeley.
- Davis, Kathryn.