. In 1959, Dr. Denys Tuck (1921-2009), claimed he had seen Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. This claim upset his bosses, and ultimately cost him his job. After serving in WWII as a pilot, Dr. Tucker was an internationally renowned zoologist, fish expert and scientist. He joined the Museum as a scientific officer within the Zoology Department. He was 28,, the Museum’s youngest scientist. He quickly rose up the ranks to become a senior scientist at 1951, and later a principal scientific officer at 1957.. Denys Tucker (1921-2009). (Image: lochnessmystery.blogspot.co.uk) According to papers released under the Freedom of Information Act and reported by the Independent, senior academics and his bosses once said “Most people who know him would agree that in intelligence he is to be classed with a few of our most brilliant colleagues.” Nessie sighting ruined his career However, in 1959 his career dramatically changed paths after he claimed he had seen an ‘unnamed animal’ breach the surface of Loch Ness. According to Dr. Tucker, the Elasmosaurus genus was a type of Plesiosaur that lived in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) stage, 80.5 millions years ago. Dr. Tucker stated that he was satisfied with the discovery of Loch Ness. Many people visited Loch Ness to verify his claims. Three decades of research were conducted into the Scottish lake by academics following Tucker’s sighting. Tucker thought the Elasmosaurus was the only creature that he had seen. The Museum chiefs found it inappropriate to be a topic of top science. According to documents, Museum leaders asked Tucker whether his interest in Nessie was a good topic for a prominent scientist who works in one of the most distinguished museums in the world. Rumours began to circulate about Tucker’s past work, and the alleged ‘dubious’ discipline record. Rumours started to circulate about his sex life and claims that he once fired a gun at an authority. The situation reached its peak in 1960, when Dr. Morrison-Scott became the Museum’s director and fired Dr. Tucker. After Dr. Tucker’s dismissal, he launched a legal campaign for reinstatement – the Museum trustees were sued personally. It was not the same as taking several academics to court in those days. In 1960, Dr. Tucker was required to bring cases against Harry Hylton Foster, Speaker of the House of Commons and Archbishop Lord Fisher who were head of Church of England. Two viscounts and a marquess were also brought to court. The fear among the power elite was that Dr. Tucker’s victory would mean they wouldn’t be able again to fire civil servants. Dr. Tucker’s appeal made it to the Court of Appeal despite the concerted effort of the government to keep the top officials out of the witness boxes. The case was thrown out by the Court of Appeal. Tucker was convinced his entire life that Nessie sightings were being covered up by the power corridors. He was never again appointed to an academic position. After the fall of his court case in Wimbledon, Dr. Tucker moved to France where he was buried in 2009..
Natural History Museum chief scientist lost his job due to Nessie sighting
