On May 18th, coinciding with International Museum Day, MUCBO | Museum of Natural Sciences welcomed a very special visit: relatives of the British palaeontologist Dorothea Bate, a key figure in the history of Balearic palaeontology.
Dorothea Bate (1878–1951) was the first person to scientifically describe Myotragus balearicus, the extinct endemic bovid of the Balearic Islands. Her discovery in 1909 marked a turning point in our understanding of the islands’ prehistoric fauna. Her pioneering work helped place the Balearics on the international scientific map and is still celebrated today for its major contribution to European palaeontology.
Today, MUCBO houses the Waldren Collection, the largest known assemblage of Myotragus fossils in the world — a scientific treasure that continues to attract the interest of researchers, students, and the general public alike. The visit by Bate’s descendants was, therefore, a deeply symbolic and emotional occasion.
During their visit, the family members explored the museum’s facilities, learned about the scientific projects currently underway, and discovered the ongoing research on Myotragus. They expressed their gratitude for the museum’s efforts to keep the legacy of their ancestor alive, and a rich exchange took place between the museum and the family.
This event highlights MUCBO’s ongoing mission as a centre for conservation, research, and dissemination of the Balearic Islands’ natural heritage, and reminds us of the importance of honouring those who have advanced our understanding of the natural world.
