About the Program
Jay Kirk recounts the life of taxidermist and conservationist Carl Akeley (1864-1926). At the end of the 19th century there was growing concern among many in the scientific community of the depletion of several species due to over-hunting. Still years from proper photographic equipment, Akeley and his ilk championed taxidermy in the hopes of preserving animals for future study. Mr. Kirk recalls Carl Akeley's many hunting expeditions in Africa with the likes of Theodore Roosevelt and P.T. Barnum and his decision later in life to stop hunting and create sanctuaries for animals to live and be studied. Jay Kirk discusses his book at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.
Jay Kirk
Jay Kirk is a creative writing teacher at the University of Pennsylvania. His writing has appeared in several publications, including The Nation, GQ, and The New York Times Magazine. For more information, visit jaykirk.info.
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