Taxidermy is a long-established practice, used from ancient times to preserve hunting trophies and later for scientific research and natural history museum dioramas.
Today, scientists use modern methods such as freeze-drying to create lifelike mounts. The skin is mounted over a form, often made of polyurethane foam. Glass eyes are added, and the specimen is posed.
Preserving Animals
Whether they are used in scientific research or for display purposes, animal skins can be preserved through a variety of methods and techniques. Some of the most popular and advanced methods include freeze-drying, often used to preserve reptiles, and resin and fiberglass to create lifelike displays. In addition to preserving animals, taxidermists also use their skills to create dioramas and other lifelike exhibits that help people learn more about nature and the species that live within it.
Some people oppose the practice of taxidermy, but others embrace it as a creative and worthwhile hobby. It is a unique craft that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. Those pursuing it can often develop a deep love and respect for the animals they work to preserve. Many taxidermists are also conservationists and animal rights activists who use their craft to promote awareness of endangered or threatened species.
Taxidermists are often required to deal with the ethical questions that surround their work. The term ‘ethical taxidermy’ is often used to refer to the practice of preserving animals that were not killed specifically for the purpose of becoming a mount. However, there is no clear definition of what constitutes ‘ethical taxidermy,’ and many taxidermists have their own views on the matter.
The ancient Egyptians developed the first forms of taxidermy by injecting dead animals with spices, oils, and other preservatives. They preserved the pharaohs’ dogs, cats, monkeys, and birds and mummified them before burial. The modern process of taxidermy aims to mimic life, and the artists behind it need an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, sculpture, painting, and drawing.
For example, a modern deer head mount is made from a polyurethane foam figurine that has been sculpted to look like the original animal. The skin is then stretched over the form and secured with nails or screws. Glass eyes are added to give it a more realistic appearance. Some modern taxidermists also use a variety of other materials, such as clay, wood wool, and even the original skeleton of the animal, to make the final product as realistic as possible.
Preserving Species
Taxidermy is important for conservation efforts because it allows scientists to study animals that have been deceased for a long period of time. This allows scientists to learn more about an animal’s natural history and how it evolved.
The scientific community also uses the information gleaned from studying preserved animals to develop vaccines and other ways to help protect human health. Species that have been preserved through taxidermy have helped us understand more about how diseases spread and even how viruses in humans are transferred to other species.
For this reason, many who are interested in becoming a taxidermist are passionate about conservation efforts and animal rights. It’s also common for a taxidermist to be involved in animal rescue and rehabilitation work.
A taxidermist is responsible for cleaning and preparing the skin of an animal before mounting it to a form. The form can be made from a variety of materials. Most forms are now created using polyurethane foam. In the past, forms were crafted from wood excelsior, cotton, straw, clay, twine, metal, and other materials. Glass eyes are used to make the specimen look more realistic.
Depending on the method, a full mount, shoulder mount, or study skin may be created. A full mount includes the entire animal, while a shoulder mount is comprised of only the head, neck, and shoulders of an animal. Study skins are stuffed with cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers and are generally used for research rather than displayed.
In addition to ensuring that the skin of the animal is properly prepared, a taxidermist must also ensure that the bones are secured in a way that will prevent them from decaying over time. They must also take care to protect the skin and feathers from damage by avoiding direct contact with sunlight, which can fade the colors of fur and feathers. A reputable taxidermist will also use borax to kill bacteria and mold that can damage the skin.
When not on display, a taxidermist will keep the specimens safe from environmental elements such as humidity and pests. They will also regularly dust the mounts to remove atmospheric pollutants. For this reason, a well-established preservation process is a critical component of any museum or collection.
Preserving Habitats
Taxidermists often work with local zoos and museums to create educational displays that promote conservation. This has proven a successful way to educate people about the value of wildlife and why we must protect endangered species. Taxidermists also work with hunters and fishermen to provide information about the regulations that ensure safe and ethical hunting.
Although a number of taxidermized animals are used for display, many more are preserved to support scientific research or serve as reference specimens. These ‘study skins’ can be handled without disrupting the data they contain, allowing for more accurate measurements and observations. They can even be used to study an animal’s DNA, a process that was once only possible with chemical preservation.
A new wave of interest in taxidermy is encouraging more people to take up the craft. In addition to being a fun hobby, the practice allows people to disconnect from the screen and reconnect with nature. It is also a great way to recycle old animal specimens that would otherwise be discarded or destroyed.
Modern taxidermists use a wide range of techniques to make their mounts lifelike and aesthetically pleasing. They can tan a hide and then fit it to a foam reconstruction of an animal’s body to create a mount. They may add glass eyes or even sculpt fur to make the animals look more realistic.
Many of the older specimens that are still on display today in museums were preserved during the Victorian era when the practice was at its peak. Many of these animals were killed as part of intense hunting sprees, which were not always done in an ethical or humane manner. By preserving these older animals, we ensure that they can continue to be used for educational purposes for generations.
While the science behind taxidermy is important, ensuring that these specimens are cared for properly is equally important. Inadequate storage and handling can cause significant damage to a mount. Insects and rodents can gnaw holes through the skin, while chemicals in a solvent can emit gas into the air and damage the underlying materials. To avoid these issues, specimens should be stored in well-sealed cabinets or cases that prevent insects and humidity from entering.
Preserving Art
While many people may see taxidermy as a form of art, it’s important to remember that it’s also a way of preserving animals. The practice was initially developed to preserve animals and their anatomy for scientific and educational purposes. It was these preserved animals that led Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. It’s important that modern taxidermists source their materials ethically and responsibly. This is why many artists working with taxidermy choose to make their own mounts rather than buy them from commercial suppliers. This allows them to ensure that their work is animal-friendly and that no live animals have been harmed in the process.
Today, most modern taxidermists use polyurethane foam to create the form of their specimens before covering them with fur and skin. They can then add a variety of details, such as eyes, claws, and feet, to complete the look. Some taxidermists have even developed new techniques such as freeze-drying and re-creation mounts. The internal organs are removed in freeze-dried mounts, but the skeleton and musculature are kept intact and posed before being placed in a freeze-dryer and desiccated. This method maintains the body’s posing and movement and gives the finished mount more lifelike qualities. Other techniques include re-creation mounts, where the skin of one species is used to create another, e.g., a fishercat’s skin is used to create the look of a red panda.
Preserving a taxidermy specimen depends on its environment, handling, and level of exposure to light. A bright light, such as sunlight, can cause fading and bleaching of the skin and feathers. It’s recommended that a shaded location be chosen to display a mounted animal. If a piece of taxidermy is left uncovered, a case or glass dome should be added to protect it from dust and insects.
A growing number of contemporary artists are embracing the use of taxidermy in their artwork, often in conjunction with other media such as painting or video. Artists such as Maurizio Cattelan, Harriet Horton, and Polly Morgan are all examples of this trend. Using taxidermy to explore animal relationships, these artists are questioning how humans have historically identified and delimited animals and recognize the importance of kinship and interdependence with other species.
