Meet the Team

Paloma Strong, the owner and head taxidermist of Strong Taxidermy, brings a rare combination of expertise, artistry, and academic training to her field. With a decade of experience as a museum taxidermist, Paloma has pieces in the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, and numerous Audubon centers and nature centers across California. She received a biology degree from Occidental College, where she focused on ornithological research and bird specimen preparation at the Moore Lab of Zoology. She has studied under many incredible mentors, including Tim Bovard of NHMLA. Paloma has competed at the World Taxidermy & Fish Carving Championships several times; in 2019, she placed 3rd in the professional category for her Virginia opossum. She competed and received high marks in the master’s category in 2024. 

Beyond her professional work, Paloma is an avid birder with a deep love for the outdoors. She spends much of her free time exploring California’s varied habitats and trails with her partner, Laura. These adventures fuel her passion for conservation and provide constant inspiration for her work in the studio.

She’s built Strong Taxidermy not just as a business, but as a creative community for people who care about nature, conservation, and telling the stories of our planet’s biodiversity. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, Paloma believes representation matters at every level - including in science, art, and small business - which shapes the welcoming, inclusive spirit at the heart of Strong Taxidermy.