HOW ARE ANIMALS STUFFED?

The process of stuffing animals is also known as taxidermy. Taxidermy has been used for around

400 years to preserve deceased animals as trophies or for historical and educational purposes. To start, the taxidermist removes the skin of the animal. This is a painstaking process, as all the flesh that will decompose is removed while attempting to leave the skin as intact as possible. Depending on the species, different chemicals and salt can be applied to preserve and soften fur, feathers or scales. Then the artificial body of the animal is made. The techniques used are species dependent. Often the carcass is used as a mould or mannequins are made from polyurethane foam. The treated skin is then carefully placed onto the artificial body. Taxidermy techniques have changed slightly over the years; some modern taxidermists have started to develop freeze drying, which won’t involve any stuffing at all.