THE EVOLUTION OF TAXIDERMY: TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION

April 3, 2025

Welcome to my very first blog post. For the past few years, I’ve been fully immersed in the craft of taxidermy - eagerly absorbing its many techniques, training my hands in the patience and precision it demands. Yet all this time, one question lingered in the background, one I never truly took the time to explore: what role will taxidermy play in the future? This blog is an attempt to find an answer. It’s an overview - a necessary first step before I might dive deeper into more specific topics.

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History of taxidermy in a nutshell

Taxidermy, the craft of preserving animals for display or study, has a long and fascinating history that spans centuries. The term taxidermy was first used in 1803 by Louis Dufresne, an ornithologist and curator at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris. Dufresne is credited with popularizing the use of arsenical soap for preserving birds in his article published in Nouveau Dictionnaire d'Histoire Naturelle (1). The term itself comes from the Ancient Greek words τάξις (taxis, meaning “arrangement”) and δέρμα (derma, meaning “skin”), which together translate to "arrangement of skin”. 

The practice of taxidermy has been in use for centuries by scientists and explorers to preserve specimens for study. The oldest known taxidermy mount still in existence today, however, is a crocodile hanging in the Cathedral of Ponte Nossa, Italy. A document from 1534 refers to it, so we know it’s at least about 500 years old (2). Several crocodiles show up on the list of oldest existing mounts, probably because their thick skin makes them hardier. The name of the taxidermists of those mounts, however, are unknown. One name that did make it to the history books is Carl Ethan Akeley (1864 - 1926). He was a pioneering American taxidermist, sculptor, biologist, conservationist, inventor, and nature photographer. The combination of these skills resulted in innovative work that entitled Akeley as “the Father of Modern Taxidermy”. His work revolutionized taxidermy by introducing life-like representations of animals, often in dynamic, natural postures, in the context of their scientifically accurate environments and social interactions. His dioramas are renowned for their remarkable realism and can still be admired at the American Museum of Natural History. Akeley’s vision of taxidermy as both an art form and a scientific tool helped shape how we perceive mounted animals in museums today.

The Decline and Revival of Taxidermy

Taxidermy faced significant challenges during the 20th century, particularly as color photography became more widespread and natural history museums became saturated with mounted animals. Public opinion also began shifting as issues like poaching, the ethics of hunting trophies, and the fur trade came to the forefront of social consciousness. Taxidermy, once seen as a scientific pursuit, became associated with the more controversial aspects of wildlife exploitation.

As hunting regulations became more stringent, fur trade decreased and animal rights appeared on the political agenda, the negative connotations of taxidermy began to fade. More recently, taxidermy has been revaluated for its artistic and educational value. Today, it is increasingly integrated into art exhibitions, fashion, and photography, with contemporary taxidermists experimenting with new techniques and materials. These shifts have sparked a revival of interest in taxidermy, as both a cultural and creative practice, offering a new avenue for exploring themes like nature, life, and mortality.

Ethical and Sustainable Practices

With growing environmental awareness and evolving societal views on wildlife conservation, there has been an increasing demand for ethical and sustainable taxidermy practices. Taxidermists are now more conscious of sourcing animals in ways that respect animal rights and conservation efforts. Most contemporary taxidermists work exclusively with ethically sourced specimens, such as those that have died from natural causes, those found as roadkill, or animals that are legally harvested under strict regulations. As sustainability and conservation continue to gain importance globally, transparency in sourcing will become a key expectation within the taxidermy industry.

Advanced Preservation Methods

Traditional taxidermy methods like body sculpting, tanning, and the use of materials like clay and glue remain fundamental. New technologies, however, are changing the way animals are preserved and taxidermy is being perceived. 

Innovations such as synthetic materials (PU or polyurethane foam, silicones, PEG or polyethylene glycol, and epoxy), airbrush painting, and 3D printing help to create remarkably lifelike mounts, restore damaged specimens, and even reconstruct missing pieces with astonishing accuracy. The use of non-toxic tanning agents like Novaltan, which replaces the harmful chemicals traditionally used in taxidermy, is also contributing to the transformation into a more eco-friendly practice.

3D scanning and printing is another technological advancement that's making waves in the taxidermy world. This technique not only allows taxidermists to create more accurate and detailed mounts, it also facilitates digital preservation of specimens and contributes to the reduction of waste. By creating digital replicas of the animals, taxidermists can store this data for future reference, ensuring that the integrity of the original specimen or its carcass is maintained even if the physical mount deteriorates.

Moreover, bio-based alternatives to traditional fossil-fuel-based plastics are increasingly being researched and developed. These sustainable materials can reduce the environmental impact of taxidermy while maintaining high standards of preservation.

Taxidermy as a powerful form of expression across various disciplines

What was once confined to museums and trophy rooms is now gaining more recognition in contemporary art galleries, in photography and in fashion. Artists use preserved animals to explore themes like nature, the impermanence of life, and human-animal coexistence. As taxidermy evolves beyond traditional mounts, it’s being integrated with sculpture, painting, and even digital projections, creating sophisticated, immersive art experiences. 

In the context of museums, augmented and virtual reality are revolutionizing the way we interact with taxidermy. Future exhibits may allow visitors to explore animal mounts in ways never before possible, such as viewing cross-sections of skeletal or muscular structures by simply pointing a smartphone or using smart glasses. Virtual reality could also give enthusiasts the opportunity to study specimens from around the world without physically traveling, providing a richer learning experience for educators, conservationists, and hobbyists. 

With a broader societal awareness of ethical practices in taxidermy, in its more traditional form taxidermy may be incorporated as statement pieces in public places like hotels or restaurants, or a more private setting of your home. The use of non-toxic environmental-friendly materials in mounts no longer necessarily confine them to glass globes or dioramas. They have the potential to seamlessly blend in with the interior and create unforgettable visitor experiences.

Community and Collaboration

Today’s taxidermists are increasingly collaborating with professionals across diverse fields, from science and history to technology and interior design. These collaborations are pushing the boundaries of taxidermy, as exemplified by museum exhibits that combine scientific accuracy with artistic creativity, offering visitors a richer, more engaging experience.

Interest in taxidermy is on the rise, with many people seeking out workshops and classes to learn the craft. Aspiring taxidermists are coming together in co-working spaces or participating in collaborative events with wildlife photographers, sculptors, and other artists, fostering a creative exchange of ideas. On social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, taxidermists are showcasing their work to a global audience, breaking down the craft’s traditional image and opening it up to wider appreciation.

Final Thoughts

The future of taxidermy is filled with exciting possibilities. As technology continues to evolve, and as societal views on conservation, ethics, and sustainability shift, taxidermy may increasingly serve as a medium for artistic expression, scientific study, and environmental education. Whether you’re a seasoned taxidermist or a curious newcomer, the world of taxidermy remains fascinating and is poised for dynamic transformations - honoring its rich tradition while embracing cutting-edge innovation.

1. Dufresne, Louis. (1803). "Taxidermie." In Nouveau Dictionnaire d'Histoire Naturelle, Volume 13, pp. 262-263. Paris: Chez Deterville.

2. "The Crocodile of Ponte Nossa." (1534). In The History of Taxidermy: From Ancient Curiosity to Modern Art, edited by James Clark, pp. 78-80. London: Natural History Press, 2007.