About Fossil Realm

Our Story

1984 marks Fossil Realm's humble beginnings. At the time, Jim Lovisek and his wife Liz Komisar had founded the Toronto Nature Centre, a hands-on science camp with a popular fossil and mineral gift shop. The camp was a dream come true for the two passionate educators who met while working at the Royal Ontario Museum (Jim was a research associate in the Ichthyology and Herpetology department and Liz was the museum's media relations director). For 16 years, the camp was a wild success and the gift shop eventually blossomed into a full-time store on Avenue Road, in mid-town Toronto. The store was a magnet for collectors across Ontario and it was widely recognized for its rare and one-of-a-kind fossils from all over the world.

 In 2002, Fossil Realm was officially born. Peter (Liz and Jim's son) became more involved in the family business from this year onward. He saw an opportunity to reach collectors across the globe online, initially using eBay. In 2012, he launched FossilRealm.com, a modern and innovative e-commerce website. The business grew rapidly in the following years and, in 2016, Peter assumed the role of President and CEO.

Peter Lovisek exhibiting at a trade show in Bancroft, Ontario (2013)

Now in 2023, Fossil Realm is undoubtedly a leading source for world class natural history specimens and Peter is a well-established dealer, broker and consultant. Past sale highlights include the largest Triceratops skeleton on record (verified by Dr. Simone Maganuco), a pristine Jurassic crocodile - 13.45’, a vibrant blue mammoth tusk - 9.75’, a fully rooted T. rex tooth - 10.5”, a large lunar meteorite (Moon rock) - 345 grams, and many other extraordinary and significant pieces!

Current clientele include prestigious institutions and galleries, as well as serious private collectors/investors.

Peter also offers a special advisory service for clients looking to invest in rare fossils, minerals, meteorites and coloured gemstones, as well as other natural history consulting services, including valuations and assessments.   

"Willard" is the world's largest Triceratops skeleton on record and among the most extraordinary items sold by Fossil Realm.

Experience and Expertise 

• We have over 30 years of experience in commercial palaeontology.
• We select our fossils, minerals and meteorites based on a rigorous and scientifically informed process.
• Our reputable suppliers are well known to us and highly respected in the industry.  
• Since 2002, we have received hundreds of positive reviews about our incredible specimens and down to earth customer service.
• See our Testimonials page or eBay seller feedback.

Passion

• Our passion for natural science is endless and it's what fuels our search for rare and amazing specimens!
• We strongly believe  everyone should have access to high-quality fossils, meteorites and minerals.

Integrity

People

Peter Lovisek, CEO

Peter is a natural history specialist, science communicator, marathon runner and proud cockapoo "doggy dad" - he lives in Ottawa, Canada with his lovely wife, Helene, and rambunctious son, Jerome. Learning about science and nature has been a lifelong passion for him. At the University of Toronto, he studied biological psychology and anthropology, yet his academic interests are far-reaching and include evolutionary biology, the philosophy of science, as well as art history. 

Some of Peter's best memories include the numerous family outings to collect fossils or prospect for minerals. His enthusiasm for natural history continued to develop at his parents' summer camp - the Toronto Nature Centre - first as a camper, then as an instructor. 

Peter is committed to educating people about palaeontology and geology: he developed hands-on workshops for elementary schoolchildren on the history of life and human evolution. Recently, he founded Fossil Realm Magazine - an online publication with a special focus on careers in palaeontology. Along with his wife, Hélène, Peter has contributed philanthropic gifts to the Royal Ontario Museum and has participated as a member of the Young Patrons' Circle, an organization that supports the Museum's exhibitions, educational initiatives, research and expeditions. Peter and Hélène are also members of the "naturePatron" family at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa - Canada’s national natural history museum. He strongly encourages involvement in local museums!

Jim Lovisek, Toronto Nature Centre Co-Founder & Fossil Realm Advisor

Jim played a huge role in the development and growth of Fossil Realm, both as a scientific advisor and business mentor. It wouldn't have been the flourishing company that it is today without his care, commitment, knowledge and expertise.

Jim loved nothing more than chatting about the life and earth sciences. In these areas his infectious enthusiasm was unmatched and his knowledge was expansive. His professional life was coloured by his deep passion for the natural world and his adventurous entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to a decades-long involvement in commercial paleontology, he worked as a research scientist (biologist), educator, nature camp director, and animal trainer for the film industry.

After graduating from university, Jim eagerly embarked on a journey to the Amazon jungle. In Leticia, Colombia his fieldwork concerned the endangered Amazonian manatee. Later, his research focus shifted to the population biology and ecology of Caiman Yacare, a crocodilian in a remote region of the lowlands of Bolivia. Up until that point, very little was known about this elusive species.

Upon returning from the Amazon, Jim worked at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto in the Ichthyology and Herpetology Department (Fish, Reptiles and Amphibians). During his 5 years at the museum, he was involved in many research projects, including a Mayan archaeological dig in Lamanai, Belize, where he analyzed faunal remains. Educating the public was a high priority for Jim. For 16 years he co-directed the Toronto Nature Centre summer children’s camp with his wife, Liz. During this time he also presented hundreds of hands-on wildlife programs to children and adults across Canada.