This is the skull of an African Lion. On my very first day of work at the Memphis Museum, I expected to be doing geology, since that was my area of expertise. Instead, I was sent to the deepest part of the basement, and given the head of a lion that had recently died at the Memphis Zoo. I spent the next few days removing all of the skin, muscle and other tissue from the bones. Not exactly what I expected, but it was the start of a marvelous adventure which over the next 13 years led me to dig dinosaur bones, pet whales off the coast of Mexico, map caves, and far too many other amazing experiences to list. It was a truly magical place!