Tim Bovard, the last full-time museum taxidermist in the U.S., meticulously preserves specimens at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. At 72, he maintains 111-year-old dioramas, reworking lion mounts and crafting lifelike habitats using vacuum-formed leaves. His work blends artistry and biology, ensuring exhibits reflect ecological accuracy.

Born in Claremont, Calif., Bovard began taxidermy at 11, experimenting on roadkill. After apprenticing locally, he dedicated his career to the museum, where he now designs dynamic scenes—like jaguars stalking prey—to engage viewers. His process involves painstaking detail, from stitching animal pelts to sculpting foliage.

Bovard’s expertise extends beyond animals: he crafts every element of dioramas, including flora and terrain. For a lion family exhibit, he staged lionesses nuzzling—a natural feline greeting—to enhance realism. His knowledge of animal behavior informs every decision, from perch choices to prey interactions.

Despite retirement rumors, Bovard remains committed. He sleeps in his office during projects and plans to mount an orangutan this year. With tens of thousands of leaves still to create, he shows no signs of slowing. No plans to retire encapsulates his dedication to this singular, niche craft.