Black Lion Crafts - Taxidermy

- Taxidermy -

Warning: This section contains details and images of deceased animal preparation/preservation. It may not be suitable for everyone.

Please Note: All items are ethically sourced.

Rat Found Deceased

Skull and Jaw Removed

Cleaned and Bleached

Skulls and Bones

Skulls and bones can be quite tedious to prepare, but the work is well worth it for the final results. Often these are salvaged from deceased animals, where the skin is damaged or too degraded for preservation. Skulls and/or bones may be found mostly cleaned by nature and only minor preparation is needed.

Processing

Processing skulls is not for the faint hearted and begins with the removal of the head. The skin is carefully removed along with the eyeballs, tongue and soft tissues. Brain matter is removed through the small hole that normally houses the spinal cord. A hooked wire is used to scrape around the cavity and remove the matter. Once most of the soft tissues are removed, the skull/bone is macerated (soaked) in a water bath for weeks, to months, to allow any remaining soft tissues to decompose away.

Final Preparation

Once soaking is complete, the skull is rinsed thoroughly and placed into a degreasing bath with water and dish soap. Once degreased and clean, it is placed into a peroxide bath to whiten. Teeth and bones can come loose during soaking, so they are glued back into place as well. The skull can then be displayed. Without sealant, it is recommended not to handle bones as the oils in our hands can be damaging.

Articulation involves cleaning and displaying the whole skeleton; a process I hope to do in the future.

Taxidermy

Preparation for taxidermy of skin is similar in process to preparing bones, albeit much more careful to preserve and not damage the skin. As above the skin is carefully removed, usually with the opening made at the abdomen, taking care around the organs, mouth, eyes, ears and rear end. As much flesh is removed from the skin as possible.

The skin is often processed with salt and/or tanning chemicals. Very small specimens like mice and birds can simply be mounted on a small handmade armature, while larger animals are mounted on shaped hard forms. The form is inserted, positioned correctly and the opening stitched up.

The animal can be adjusted and positioned for a natural or posed look. False eyes are added, and the eyelids, nose and lips are pinned into place to dry correctly. The animal will then be fully blow-dried and brushed out to make sure the fur sits correctly and looks natural. Paint and pigments are often used on certain features to enhance a more lifelike look, especially if colour has changed after death.

Other

Often, random remnants are found in my travels. These are often insects that have passed away naturally, or unfortunate critters that have been eaten by birds, often leaving just wings behind.

Hair may be found or taken from specimens, or it can be intentionally preserved as a memorial for deceased pets or livestock. Hair and fur can be used in a number of creative ways which I am to explore.

Occasionally teeth can be found without the rest of the animal, dropped in nature or fallen from an old or damaged skull. At my work I can salvage pet's teeth removed as part of dental procedures.

Product Examples:

Skulls and Bones