The Environmental Legacy
In business Mr. Fuller also kept sight of the importance of man's impact
on nature and his responsibility to safeguard natural habitats. As president
of the International Salt Company, he led the development of the Morimer
B. Fuller, Jr. Solar Salt Facility, which opened in 1973 on the island
of Bonaire in the Netherlands Antilles. The facility was internationally
recognized because of Mr. Fullers' successful efforts to protect and restore
the threatened nesting grounds of the pink flamingo. Today, that flamingo
population, which had almost disappeared from the island, thrives.
Some of the highlights of Mort Fuller's life are displayed in The Tropy
House. The film of his first safari, which is part of the archives of the
Smithsonian Institution, is available for viewing, as well as photographs
of his more recent trip. Although he was not a self-serving man, his legacy
serves us and our future in this facility. He was trained neither as a
naturalist nor a scientist but his curiosity, efforts and enthusiasm have
made it possible for us to expand our interest and knowledge in these disciplines.
