Rare Dodo Collection, Including 1865 Bone Discovery, Heads to Auction

A remarkable collection of over 200 Dodo artifacts, assembled by the late naturalist Ralfe Whistler, is slated for auction on September 24, 2024. The sale, to be held at Summers Place Auctions in Billingshurst, West Sussex, is expected to generate significant interest among collectors and researchers alike.

Whistler, who passed away last year at the age of 92, dedicated his life to amassing an extensive array of Dodo-related items. His passion for the extinct bird was so profound that he renamed his East Sussex residence "Dodo House." The collection, valued at over £25,000, includes rare Dodo bones, scholarly publications, artwork, and sculptures.

One of the most notable items in the auction is a Dodo bone believed to be from the bird's pectoral area. This specimen is particularly significant as it is thought to be among the first Dodo bones discovered by teacher George Clark in a Mauritian swamp in 1865. Prior to this find, only fragmentary skeletal remains of the Dodo were known to exist. The bone, accompanied by a letter from Edith Clark, the discoverer's daughter, carries an estimated value of £10,000.

Interestingly, the 1865 discovery coincided with the publication of Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," which featured a Dodo character. This literary connection helped propel the extinct bird into the public imagination, further enhancing its cultural significance.

The auction also includes two sets of paired Dodo bones, each estimated at £6,000, and a rare publication titled "The Dodo and its Kindred" from 1848, valued at £1,600. Art enthusiasts will find over 150 Dodo-themed paintings, prints, and drawings by renowned artists such as Beryl Cook and Richard Bawden.

"The Dodo's brief existence and rapid extinction have made it a powerful symbol in literature and popular culture, representing obsolescence and the consequences of human interference in nature."

The Dodo, scientifically known as Raphus cucullatus, was a flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius. Standing approximately one meter tall and weighing between 10-18 kg, it was first encountered by Dutch sailors in 1598. Tragically, the species became extinct a mere 70 years after its discovery, around 1668, primarily due to human activities and introduced predators.

The Dodo's extinction story has become a cautionary tale, helping to spark the modern conservation movement. Its legacy continues to fascinate scientists and the public alike, with some researchers even proposing the possibility of "de-extinction" through genetic engineering.

This auction not only offers a unique opportunity to acquire rare Dodo artifacts but also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of species and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving our planet's biodiversity.