About Us
Parker Paleontological Enterprises is a company operated with science, natural history, and culture in mind. We can provide specimens, experiences, and realistic museum-quality replicas to educate and inspire, resurrecting worlds long extinct and placing them in the hands and imaginations of people of all ages. Gil, Tim, and Matt have all been fascinated by and connected with ancient life and natural history since our childhoods. Let us tell you a little about ourselves!
Gil Parker
Gil Parker has nearly five decades of paleontological field and laboratory experience. He has collected fossils from just about every fossiliferous rock formation west of the Mississippi River. He is currently “retired” and spends much of his time globe-trotting on cruise ships when he is not pouring and painting castss or presiding over meetings and administrivia for the Kansas & Missouri Paleontological Society and the Kansas City Gem & Mineral Show Club.
Tim Parker
Gil’s son, Tim Parker, has been participating in fossil excursions since before he could walk or talk. Tim studied vertebrate paleontology under Dr. Larry Martin at the University of Kansas. He holds a computer and network engineering degree from The University of Missouri, Kansas City. Tim’s paleontological specialties are mold-making, micro-preparation, and chemical preparation techniques.
Matt Christopher
Matt Christopher studied under Dr. Larry Martin at the University of Kansas and holds a bachelor’s degree in Organismal Biology and a master’s in Vertebrate Paleontology. For as long as he can remember, he knew he wanted to be a dinosaur hunter when he grew up. Matt has been digging dinosaurs and working in fossil preparation and replication laboratories since the 90s. Matt is Director of the DinoLab and Science City at Union Station Kansas City and is an adjunct professor for Park University. He also handles all design and production for the Tooth & Claw product line and current incarnation of the website.
From left to right, playing the roles of Groom, Father-of-the-Groom, and Best Man, are Tim, Gil, and Matt.