About Taxidermy
For most southerners, "taxidermy" is a familiar word as they're used to seeing stuffed animals such as dead deer and raccoons mounted on public walls including restaurants and even businesses. An ancient art, taxidermy is a way to remember a hunting expedition or admire forest creatures from within a museum. Interestingly, some pet owners use taxidermists to preserve the memory of a beloved dog or cat by having their pet's remains stuffed for display.
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Identification
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A taxidermist stuffs and mounts the skins of animals for display. By recreating the likeness of a dead animal, taxidermists can reconstruct the bodies of wild animals as well as fish and reptiles.
History
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Taxidermy traces its roots back thousands of years when ancient hunters killed prey and then discovered other uses for animal parts. For example, fur and hides were used for clothing, as well as containers and even shelter. As the need for leather increased, so did the demand for tanneries. Killing animals for both sport and decoration continued and during the 1800s the term taxidermist cropped up as one who stuffed animal skins. Stuffing materials included everything from rags and cotton to paper. In the 20th century the craft grew into a profession, and with the growth of technology, stuffed dead animals began looking more like lifelike replicas, produced in larger quantities. The popular BBC comedy "Smoking the Hams" (1968) promoted the profession because of the show's main character, Dean Chant, who practiced his taxidermy trade in his mother's living room.
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Types
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Working for museums is a type of taxidermy job that can give your work considerable attention. Museum taxidermists, such as Carl E. Akeley, who earned fame for his African elephants at the American Museum of Natural History, receive national and even global notoriety for their work. However, most taxidermists are private business people who have hunters and anglers as clients. On the other hand, others are amateurs or hobbyists who just enjoy the craft of showing off their craft, besides displaying their prey.
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Preparation and Training
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Visit a taxidermist at work. While there witness a demonstration, asking various questions. Subscribe to taxidermy publications and study animal anatomy books. Most importantly, work under an apprentice. If you survive through this period, chances are you're suited for the work. Next, find a good taxidermy school in your area.
Fulfill all legal requirements and obtain a license. Most states require tests following an apprenticeship with a qualified taxidermist. On the other hand, training can also be done through a home study. One of the skills is learning proper disposal and sanitation procedures.
Considerations
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The trade involves more than just artistic skills. Part of the training is learning proper disposal and sanitation procedures.
Consider a specialty. Most taxidermists do not deal with all types of animals. Ask yourself what type of animal would you most enjoy reconstructing? For example, would you rather work with fish, wild animals or perhaps even domestic animals such as pets?
Warning
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The profession isn't for everyone. You may enjoy sculpting and have artistic skills, but if you're at all squeamish, this trade is not for you. Just as doing an autopsy on a human, taxidermists have to remove organs of dead animals and perform tasks that make most people feel lightheaded.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Kenn W. Kiser
