Shirley Cameron Coryndon (1926–1976) – Earth Sciences Collection

Shirley Cameron Coryndon (1926–1976) was a distinguished British palaeontologist renowned for her expertise in fossil hippopotamuses and her significant contributions to African vertebrate palaeontology. Her work, conducted during a period when few women were recognized in the field, has left a lasting impact on our understanding of prehistoric fauna.

British palaeontologist Shirley Coryndon (1926 – 1976) and amateur geologist John Hesketh excavate the fossilised bones of a steppe mammoth (Mammuthus trogontherii) discovered by Hesketh in Aveley, Essex, UK, 10th August 1964. It is the most complete mammoth skeleton to be found in the UK to date. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Early Life and Education

Coryndon began her scientific career as a palaeontological assistant to Louis Leakey at the Centre for Prehistory and Palaeontology in Nairobi during the 1950s. Under the mentorship of Donald MacInnes at the Museum of Nairobi, she developed a keen interest in fossil mammals, particularly hippopotamids. Her meticulous research and dedication quickly established her as an authority in the field.Wikipedia

Specialization in Fossil Hippopotamuses

Coryndon’s primary research focus was on fossil hippopotamuses. She conducted extensive studies on specimens from various African sites, including the Baringo Basin in Kenya. Her work provided critical insights into the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of hippopotamids, contributing to a deeper understanding of their development and distribution across the continent.Lyell Collection+1Lyell Collection+1

Scholarly Contributions

Coryndon co-edited the influential multi-volume series Fossil Vertebrates of Africa alongside Louis Leakey and Robert J. G. Savage. This comprehensive work documented significant fossil discoveries across Africa and served as a foundational reference for researchers in the field. Her contributions to this series underscored her commitment to advancing palaeontological knowledge.

Legacy and Recognition

In recognition of her substantial contributions to palaeontology, several fossil species have been named in her honor, including:

Hexaprotodon coryndonae: A species of fossil hippopotamus.earthalumni.blogs.bristol.ac.uk+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
Kenyapotamus coryndonae: Another extinct hippopotamid species.OUP Academic+8ResearchGate+8ResearchGate+8
Ugandax coryndonae: A species of fossil bovine.DBpedia Association+1Wikipedia+1

These namings reflect the high esteem in which she was held by her peers and the lasting impact of her research on the scientific community.

Personal Life and Collaborations

Coryndon met fellow palaeontologist Robert J. G. Savage in Kenya in 1955. Their shared passion for palaeontology led to a fruitful professional collaboration and, eventually, marriage in 1969. Together, they continued to contribute significantly to the field until her untimely death in 1976.