Creating Bird Taxidermy

How is taxidermy done? Science has long used the preserved carcasses of animals to inform research, and exhibitions like the Natural History Museum, London’s Birds: Brilliant And Bizarre showcase some of the most remarkable specimens in museum collections. Among those featured in its latest exhibition are white-tailed eagles, an endangered species that almost became extinct in Europe in the 19th century but, thanks to a conservation project that’s nearing its 50th birthday, is now making a comeback in the UK.
We spoke to taxidermist Elle Kaye about how she came to be involved in the exhibition, what it takes to turn an animal that’s died into a lasting specimen, and the tips and tricks employed by taxidermists when working with animals that have died naturally and don’t always come complete.
With thanks to Elle Kaye: www.ellekayeta...
Natural History Museum, London: www.nhm.ac.uk/
Birds: Brilliant And Bizarre: www.nhm.ac.uk/...
IFLScience exclusive exhibition interview: www.iflscience...

[@barryjacobs8524]

Are these birds killed for the purpose of taxidermy. 😮

[@Inkasaur]

No…. most died from natural causes like a zoo or found dead in the wild

[@madelynt1615]

No, they're not. Elle doesn't work with animals that have been killed for taxidermy. Only ones that have died from natural causes. It's illegal to kill most birds there too.

[@madelynt1615]

No. Elle only works with birds that have died of natural causes. She lives in the UK where it is also illegal to kill most birds, especially birds of prey.