July 3, 2025

Those that work with our furry, feathered, and scaly friends know that loss happens often. And, while death is somewhat a constant part of this work, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that some goodbyes are harder. Gus and Yona and Piggy were big and vibrant, and losses that hit the Museum community hard. BoxB, one of our education box turtles, had a tiny stature but huge impact, and therefore is one of those very challenging losses.

BoxB was at the Museum for more than 30 years. Many of those who cared for him or took him to programs were not even alive when he started his work at the Museum. His tenure alone is massive.

BoxB spent his whole career at the Museum meeting people of all ages at just about every type of program to occur at the Museum or out in the community. Of all the education critters we’ve ever had, BoxB did more programs than anyone else. Without exaggeration, thousands and thousands of people have met BoxB.

Emma, one of our Animal Handler Trainers, shared this about BoxB:

I met BoxB when I was 18 years old, and he was (at least) 22. It never failed to get a laugh at an animal program when I would announce that this little guy was my senior. I’m now 26, having grown up with the animals we care for and work with here at the Museum. BoxB, in particular, served as a wise and bombastic older colleague, who shaped me into the educator and team member I am today.

My first animal introduction when training educators on handling procedures was always BoxB, both because he was such an enthusiastic participant in handling, and because the adorably bizarre look on his little turtle face would always break the ice with even the most nervous educators. Communication and connection make the work better for everyone involved, and BoxB was a true force of nature in nurturing those connections. We are all better because of him.

Sure, if you have a 30-year career, you are likely to earn certain honors. But it’s not just that. BoxB had almost a cult-like following from many educators. As Emma shared, BoxB was the first animal new educators would meet and train on. Any meeting reviewing program animals or charts about usage times or training new staff on handling… any of these things and more were opportunities to tout BoxB’s personality and greatness. His fan club often referred to him as The King. Watching the faces and expressions of those talking about him and relishing in his behaviors and expressions were gifts.

Educator Stepheny sums up BoxB’s surprising and lasting impact nicely:

When I first started at the Museum, I had no idea that animal handling would be part of my job. It wasn’t something I’d ever pictured myself doing, but it quickly became one of the most treasured parts of my work, thanks in large part to the incredible bonds I built with both the human and non-human members of our team. BoxB was at the center of that experience. His personality was larger than life: mischievous, charming, and always able to make me smile. He taught me so much about patience, curiosity, and most of all, about the beauty and value of every creature. He reminded me that even the animals we see in our own backyards, like box turtles, have something special to offer the world.

He was the best boi. We’ll miss him deeply.