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Taxidermists preserve dead animals for display, often using the animal’s original skin to create a realistic three-dimensional model. No formal education is required, but artistic skill, manual dexterity, and a strong constitution are necessary. Training and apprenticeships are available.
Taxidermists take dead animals and preserve them for display. These animals have usually been hunted and killed or are former pets. To become a taxidermist, one only needs the skills needed to complete the task, as no formal education is required. However, formal training and internships are available.
When a hunter or former pet owner wants to retain a physical reminder of an animal, he or she can take its body to a taxidermist. The taxidermist builds a realistic three-dimensional model of the animal, often wrapped in the animal’s original skin. These are usually mounted in a specific pose for that animal and may be accompanied by a three-dimensional background or placed on a flat wooden mount. The whole animal or just a part of it, such as the head or the front part, can be preserved
A potential taxidermist must have a strong constitution. Taxidermists must work with every part of a dead animal, inside and out. The preservation process involves removing any tissue that deteriorates over time. The skin is completely removed from the animal and treated so that it does not decompose.
It takes some degree of artistic skill and manual dexterity to be a taxidermist. Once the tissue is removed and the skin treated, the animal loses most of its shape and defining features. In order to avoid total loss of identity, a taxidermist must create a mold of the animal’s musculature and sculpt its finer features after the cast is complete.
When the animal’s skin is tanned, the skin color often changes. A prospective taxidermist must possess sufficient painting skills to restore the appearance of the skin or fur. Paint can revive muted skin tones and make the animal look alive.
Being a taxidermist is similar to being a plastic surgeon. To become a taxidermist, a firm understanding of animal anatomy is required, as the location of any cuts or punctures can significantly alter the final model. All cuts made must be accurate, placed on the carved model and sewn back together, leaving no trace of lacerations.
Visiting a local taxidermist is a good place to get more information on becoming a taxidermist. Other sources of information include museums, which often display animal models created by taxidermists. There is also a substantial amount of literature written on the subject.
There are many schools for individuals who want to become taxidermists. Different programs last for different periods, ranging from six weeks to two semesters. Other forms of hands-on training, such as shorter workshops, are also available.
If school doesn’t seem like an ideal option, finding an apprentice position might be the best way to become a taxidermist. Depending on the taxidermist offering the apprenticeship, payment may or may not be included. Such a taxidermist will be able to provide hands-on experience on a consistent daily basis, which is required to become a taxidermist.
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