Taxidermist
Taxidermists prepare life-like 3-D representations of birds, mammals and other creatures for study purposes and display in museums, or as trophies and memorials.
Sometimes the actual skin (including fur, feathers or scales) is preserved and mounted on an artificial frame. At other times, the specimen is made completely with man-made materials. Taxidermists in museums also prepare specimens for study and research purposes, arranging skins and skeletal material to demonstrate structural and anatomical features.
Taxidermists may perform the following tasks:
- take measurements and note features of specimens
- reproduce specimens by moulding and casting with a variety of materials including plaster, plastic, fibreglass and foam
- remove and clean skin and treat with preservatives
- place skin on a model to reproduce the exact size and shape of the specimen
- conduct scientific research on skin specimens
- preserve and prepare skeletons through chemical and non-chemical treatment
- pose small animals and preserve them by freeze-drying
- prepare native and non-native animals for special exhibits
- maintain exhibits and specimens.
Taxidermists may be employed by museums as preparators, who also devise museum exhibits, including models and habitat displays.
Personal Requirements:
- enjoy natural history and animal anatomy
- artistic interests such as sculpture, painting and drawing
- woodworking or carpentry skills
- patience and care
- attention to detail
- good hand-eye coordination.
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