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Story summary
- San Diego Natural History Museum lets the public borrow taxidermy specimens from its loan library.
- Haylie Priest manages the loan program, which began in the 1920s and opened to all in the early 2000s.
- In the past year 186 members borrowed 3,807 specimens, 60% teachers, 30% nonprofit educators, 10% private.
- The museum does not profit; a coyote specimen costs about $5,000 and late fees are $2 per day.
- Executive Eowyn Bates says no loaned specimens have been stolen in the program’s 21-year history.
