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 protected native animals or animal parts (like eggs, claws or bones) also needs a licence.