Taxidermist Career Description
Taxidermy is the preparation and preservation of animal skins, as well as the stuffing and mounting thereof, so as to represent the appearance of the living animal. The preparation of such material may be done for study collections in museums and universities or for display purposes in museums or private collections.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Taxidermists use different techniques and methods to preserve and prepare the different animals for display.
Mammals are prepared for display by way of dermosculpture. Before and especially after skinning of the animal, various measurements are recorded. Measurements, casts and photographs taken of the dead animal are essential guides while modeling. Knowledge of the anatomy and special characteristics of the subject is a precondition for a successful manikin.
The manikin is sculptured in potter's or oil clay onto an armature of wood and iron.
Often the complete skeleton or parts thereof like the skull, leg bones and pelvis are used in the construction of the armature. Materials such as polyurethane foam, polyester or plaster of Paris are used to make a mould of the completed clay model, out of which the manikin is cast as a strong and light, usually hollow artificial body. The tanned skin is fitted while damp onto the manikin, using special techniques.
Birds are mounted by using an artificial body, usually made by binding fine wood-wool onto a wire that acts as a spine. After the artificial body has been fitted into the skin by anchoring the spine wire into the skull, the wing and leg wires are anchored into the artificial body. Eventually the bird is positioned onto a base, usually a branch or rock.
A relatively new advance in taxidermy is the freeze-drying method. In special apparatus the moisture is extracted under vacuum from frozen specimens, which have been positioned in lifelike postures. In this way neither
skinning nor the making of an artificial body is necessary. The frozen body remains, without shrinking, in its original form. This method is very successful in the case of invertebrates, reptiles and fish. It can also be combined with the more traditional methods of mounting birds and mammals in order to prevent shrinkage or for instance bird's feet or fleshy parts on the head, lips and noses of small mammals.
Fish, reptiles as well as many invertebrates are usually prepared for display purposes as casts. For this, the original specimen is preserved in alcohol or formalin after being injected with preserving liquid. It will harden in the position in which it had been arranged and a mould can be made of it. After the mould or cast is painted, it resembles the living original more closely than any mounted specimen of the named groups would.
Normally taxidermists work in well-equipped workshops with different types of tools at their disposal. It is sometimes expected of them to do fieldwork in order to collect birds, mammals, etc.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
A love of nature and animal life is required, together with sharp powers of observation and a definite artistic talent and creative ability. Prospective taxidermists must be willing to work in dirty conditions. They must be able to endure unpleasant odours and should not have any allergies. Skills in designing and sculpturing are essential.
Where can I work?
Taxidermists are mostly employed by museums but can also work for private institutions.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Taxidermists can start their own taxidermy businesses.
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