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Elijah Shattuck, photographed toward the end of his life, circa 2019
Elijah Shattuck (1938-2020) was a Technosopher who served in key design roles for many of OmniPark's attractions, including The Story of Man and the ill-fated Wild World of Life ride. In sharp contrast to the other Technosophers on Dalton Teague's original team, who carefully avoided discussing the specifics of their former careers at OmniPark, Shattuck became a highly outspoken and vocal member of the Internet's "OmniParchaeology" community, frequently contributing insider details (and fueling fringe conspiracy theories) about the park's attractions and Realms.
A heavy lifelong tobacco smoker, Shattuck was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, and required a respirator and oxygen tank in order to breathe. Though largely house-bound in his final months of life, he remained an active participant on many OmniPark message boards until his death from malignant carcinoid lung tumors in early 2020.
Elijah Shattuck was born in 1938, in a small town in upstate New York. From an early age, Shattuck showed an exceptional talent in both arts and sciences, a duality that would define his career. He attended MIT, where he majored in mechanical engineering, but he also nurtured a passion for surreal art and literature, often spending his free time exploring the works of Salvador Dalí and H.P. Lovecraft.
Shattuck's trajectory took an unusual turn when, shortly after graduation, he was recruited by the CIA. His unique skill set made him an ideal candidate for the controversial Project MK-ULTRA. Within this program, he worked on developing psychological manipulation techniques and exploring the interplay between technology and the human psyche. Shattuck's time in MK-ULTRA deeply influenced his worldview and creative approach, instilling in him a fascination with the boundaries of human perception and reality.
During a symposium on emerging technologies, Shattuck first crossed paths with Dalton Teague. That meeting would have a profound impact on both their futures. Teague, impressed by Shattuck's unorthodox ideas and his work on MK-ULTRA, saw in him a kindred spirit and a perfect collaborator for his vision of a theme park that transcended traditional entertainment.
At OmniPark, Shattuck found the perfect canvas for his unique blend of science and surrealism. As a Technosopher, he was instrumental in designing some of the park's most groundbreaking attractions. The Story of Man, one of his masterpieces, reflected his fascination with human evolution, while the Wild World of Life was an ambitious project that attempted to blend biological sciences with immersive, surreal experiences.
Shattuck's involvement in MK-ULTRA and his enigmatic projects at OmniPark made him a subject of fascination and speculation among conspiracy theorists. He embraced this attention, often fueling theories with cryptic comments and insider information. His active participation in online forums under various pseudonyms added layers to the myths surrounding both him and the park.
Despite being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, Shattuck continued to engage with the OmniPark community, sharing his experiences and insights. His battle with the disease did little to dampen his spirit; he remained a vocal figure online, contributing to discussions and debates about the park's history and his role in it until his death in 2020.