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Taxidermist - Personal requirements

Kaipuru Hiako

Skills & knowledge

Taxidermists need to have:

knowledge of natural history, animal anatomy, biology and zoology

an understanding of animal behaviour, especially how they behave in the wild

knowledge of the Wildlife Act (1953)

knowledge of the chemicals used in taxidermy

photography and drawing skills for observing animals or birds in their natural habitat

model-making and sculpting skills, including basic woodworking and carving skills for making moulds and mounting bases

measuring skills

painting skills for finishing work

skill in using and caring for tools and equipment

knowledge of health and safety regulations

planning, organisational and record-keeping skills.

"Open mouth mounts are the most time-consuming because there's a lot more reconstruction. You're basically taking every tooth out, taking every nerve ending out and moulding the jaw, palate and tongue."

Graham Renner -

Personal Qualities

Taxidermists should be keen conservationists and naturalists. They need to be tidy, methodical, observant and accurate, with an eye for detail. They cannot be squeamish as they work with dead animals, and they must be patient as some of the work is very time-consuming.