International authority on shark taxonomy and Curator of Fishes in the Natural History Collections Department, Dr Leonard J V Compagno, retires from Iziko Museums at the end of December, just months after receiving the prestigious Gilchrist Medal for lifetime achievement in marine biological research.

Leonard, a Californian who joined Iziko Museums almost 20 years ago, holds a PhD from Stanford University. During his illustrious career, he has authored many scientific papers and books on his much-loved subject. In 1984, whilst Adjunct Professor at San Franciso State University he compiled a catalogue of shark species for the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

Colleague Dr Wayne Florence, curator of the Marine Invertebrate Collection at Iziko Museums, describes Len as ‘probably the foremost writer on sharks globally and a scholar in the true sense of the word.’ Says Wayne, ‘Len has contributed significantly to our global understanding of cartilaginous fish. A native Californian but as South African as they come, Len’s early years were spent chasing sharks in San Francisco Bay and consulting on the Jaws movies, directed by Stephen Spielberg.’

Wayne assures us that Len will be around Iziko for some time to come. In taking up a fulltime position as chief scientist and director of research at the Save Our Seas Shark Centre (SOSC) in Kalk Bay, Len will retain his association with Iziko, whilst facilitating the mission of SOSC to ‘change the public perception of Great White Sharks’. Already Iziko’s Marine Biology Section of Natural History Collections and Education & the Public Programmes Department are collaborating with SOSC to ‘teach school learners about sharks and their associated ecosystems.’

Said Prof Henry C Bredekamp, CEO of Iziko Museums of Cape Town, “I will always remember Len for, not only his knowledge of marine biology, but for our stimulating conversations on the philosophy of knowledge”.

It is therefore ‘cheerio’ but certainly not ‘good-bye’, to Iziko stalwart and world-renowned scientist, Leonard Compagno.

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