Taxidermy involves preparing the skins of animals to create lifelike models for display. Knowledge of animal anatomy, technical skill and artistic talent are needed to do this work.
Professional taxidermists supply preserved animals to museums and other research and educational organisations, and to hunters and fishers. Taxidermy is also practised as a hobby.
The taxidermy process usually starts with skinning an animal. The skin is then tanned (treated) and fitted over an artificial body made from carved foam or sculpted wire. Clay and wax are used to reproduce soft tissues and glass eyes are added.
Get your licence
Professional and amateur taxidermists need a licence to carry out taxidermy, and anyone wanting to keep preserved specimens of native animals or animal parts (like eggs, claws or bones) also needs a licence.
Apply for a taxidermy licence
To apply for a licence, download the taxidermy and preserved specimen licence application form (DOC 75KB) and return it via email to: wildlife.licensing@environment.nsw.gov.au.
There is a $30 application fee.
If you are applying to carry out taxidermy, please support your application with details of any of your earlier work, including photographs.
Please allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed.
Renew your licence
Before renewing your licence you must submit a report to us listing the specimens you hold, where they were sourced, and any that have been sold or traded.
Write your report, then complete the taxidermy and preserved specimen licence renewal form (DOC 72KB), and return both documents via email to: wildlife.licensing@environment.nsw.gov.au.
There is a $30 renewal fee.