I waited 4+ years for this: the World Taxidermy Championships!

I'm already super spoiled with great habitat dioramas and taxidermy at The Field Museum, but I had to jump at the chance to attend the 2017 World Taxidermy Championships to experience the latest innovations in taxidermy wildlife art for myself. 10/10 would attend again
The opening monologue in this video is a direct quote from the World Taxidermy Championships competition page: www.taxidermy.net/wtc/taxidermy/
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Producer, Writer, Creator, Host:
Emily Graslie
Producer, Camera:
Brandon Brungard
Producer, Editor, Camera:
Sheheryar Ahsan
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This episode is supported by:
The Field Museum in Chicago, IL
And filmed on location at the World Taxidermy Championships in Peoria, Illinois.
(www.fieldmuseum.org)
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[@Dawt_Calm]

It must be so hard to train these animals to stay still like that. I commend the trainers abilities and dedication.

[@jamesbizs]

Mrdead Inmypocket especially that super flat bear.

[@louiselincoln]

I commend their dedication to the cause of subjugating nature to our whims. Long live the homo sapiens!

[@this_is_a_robbery9634]

If you dont like it then just leave.

[@smokeylebear1062]

This_is_a_robbery or he can vote M’rucia Whoooraa

[@this_is_a_robbery9634]

@@smokeylebear1062 Wait are we talking about Mrdead or Louise, cause I'm talking about Louise.

[@MireyaRivera]

I'll be honest, taxidermy is not something that particularly excites me, but the enthusiasm you brought just kept me watching. I would definitely watch more videos about taxidermy if you were the one making them. Thank you for letting your passion and love for this art form show through so clearly.

[@jamparker969]

+

[@Jemima1377]

Agreed. ^_^

[@indibindylou]

MireyaRivera +

[@dftbaMATH]

+

[@carolineguidry1822]

I completely agree!

[@gephc4]

This seems like the perfect event for an "Everything Is Dead" t-shirt.

[@yeemitchan]

So true! Speaking of which, I work at a bird museum and kids keep asking me if the birds are dead, I think of Emily every time. We've even had a couple of adults be surprised that there's dead birds... In a bird museum. What about the word museum would make an adult expect live animals? :P

[@chanlizzie]

I think she was wearing a Carl Akely (sp?) shirt. Which is also pretty fitting!

[@HighFlyingJumper]

Wow, sure looks like there was some stiff competition...

[@nitesan2814]

CARLOS

[@Xx_Order66Executioner_xX]

Im dead 😂

[@crystalm4324]

Lol

[@DAMNTHOSECATS]

It's fun to see Emily geek out so hard, more power to you.

[@PikaPetey]

This is why Emily is my favorite scientist! Her enthusiasm comes through in her videos so much that im actually tearing up too!

[@MCAndyT]

SAME

[@prometheus9096]

Okay i stumble across this. Calling the host a "scientist". Is she?

[@MCAndyT]

She actually is not. At least not by training. She's like, the best amateur scientist, who happens to have an art degree in painting, and who now has the best-suited job for her EVAR! ;-)

[@SleepyLeeks]

Pikapetey Animations WhOa Pika daddy is here

[@theshewolfie68]

SleepyLeeks He's everywhere. 😂

[@titanspirit7238]

Presumably the cat quadcopter is the greatest piece of taxidermy ever made?

[@melhope]

TITANSPIRIT I'm a huge cat lover, but the first time I saw the cat quadcopter, I damn near pissed myself laughing. It's best if you see the video with the Airwolf tv show theme.

[@frac]

I've said (only barely in jest) that I want that done to me when I die. Fly me nude over the attendees of my funeral.

[@Mrmaverickism]

@@melhope naw the reincarnated one is the best

[@jamesbizs]

Fracture would the little antenna be facing up or down?

[@mobeen360]

@@jamesbizs hahaha humor

[@Magearod]

Was that Wilber and Charlotte in one scene?? AWESOME

[@thebrainscoop]

YES

[@leehorsfall2948]

thebrainscoop could you tell the artist that did this piece? It’s amazing!

[@narraticn]

OH MY GOD I JUST NOTICED THAT THAT MAKES ME WANT TO CRY

[@outcastluverxxx]

this entire video is just Emily fangirling xD

[@frienderella]

vltRakuen and that's why I love this video more

[@whitemask279]

IDK her, It's my first vid from her And it's great

[@marinebiologisttobe]

I wouldn't say I'm that keen on taxidermy in general but YOUR enthusiasm made me enthusiastic. Thanks for a great video!

[@johnnyfavorite1194]

I wonder if there could ever be a taxidermy category that focuses on “what if” Battle Animals, like Squirrels with Mech Armor Suits featuring mini gatling guns, rocket launcher, and Flamethrower 🤔🤔🤔

[@minnowthewarlock5988]

like a fantasy category? That- that would be d o p e

[@cipranosoliz8571]

dude well thank you for that idea. i’m fucking running w it. there will be

[@dkecskes2199]

Emily and the whole Brain Scoop team, before becoming enthralled with this channel, I was actually scared, if not terrified, of all things taxidermy. As in, I would have a panic attack as a child if my parents decided we just had to go to the western restaurant with a single cow head mount on one wall, and I had to leave a room at a party as a young adult because it turns out the host had at least 50 taxidermy critters allll over their living room. I have been able to get over that fear by seeing the wonderful scientific processes behind the preparation of specimens, and the way that taxidermy can help living animals too, and that's all thanks to this wonderful channel and all the hard work you put into it. Thank you so much, and DFTBA.

[@valforwingproductions9311]

one of the cabelos or bass pro shops i visited in tennasee had a free taxidermy museum. it took us like two hours to go thorough and was amazing they had a moose that was as big as a dinosaur!

[@c.a.5808]

Yes, it can be overwhelming for a young child, who's only experienced live animals, previously. But as with all life, we have our seasons... as we learn, grow, and mature. I'm glad you are now able to appreciate their work... the beauty and respect these "Artists" have for nature, around us all. I Frankly much prefer to see them remembered... this way. Then visiting them in a zoo for a day... in my life, but for them, confined a lifetime. Of course, in fairness, many zoos are far more than they were years ago, with the implementation of breeding programs to help save species, as are our museum's now. God bless🙏 never stop learning and growing. It's what we are here for😉

[@eb2c09]

I don’t know hardly anything about taxidermy, but I am so blown away by the artistry of the pieces they showed. So creative and such attention to detail. I think it’s great that The Brain Scoop gives us a glimpse inside what is clearly a field full of talented, passionate artists.

[@Daniellaofsweden]

Aaaah. I think I would have burst from the excitement. It would have been like it always is with me around animals. "Oh, look, a thing!", "Oh, look, THERE ARE MORE. I MUST LOOK AT THEM ALL".

[@tiny_M]

Why can't I figure out how to favourite this comment

[@Bebo18]

I would like to see a chimera category.

[@MCAndyT]

+

[@Bebo18]

Andrew Thompson ?

[@MCAndyT]

the plus sign is a strategy introduced by Hank Green where it is equivalent to clicking the "like" button, but reply comments hold more weight in the KZbin algorithm than the "likes". So, if you plus something it is more likely to bump the thing you agree with higher up in the comments feed so more people can see it than if you gave it a thumbs up. Basically this is to better bring positive comments in parity with all of the negative comments that seem to rise to the surface and dominate comment sections making everyone unhappy...

[@Bebo18]

Andrew Thompson thank you. I understand now.

[@gigglysamentz2021]

Aaah okay. In French we've been using "+1" for a loooong time ^^

[@ArawnsFire]

My favorite “Scoop” video. The way Emily is fangirling over the displays is absolutely charming.

[@mattk8440]

Ooch I'm sorry to tell you Emily, but Wimbledon is played on grass not clay

[@thebrainscoop]

It's a direct quote from the competition page on the WTC's website: www.taxidermy.net/wtc/taxidermy/

[@mattk8440]

thebrainscoop lol maybe they should change it. Regardless, fantastic video! You're excitement is so contagious.

[@oukid2633]

same i was like, wimbledon clay???

[@Torchutube]

LOLs, they sure did say the "clay courts of Wimbleton". I hope they don't change it, I mean, they, we, are Nerds right? What do we know about tennis! But alas, it is incorrect. Wimbleton Grass, French Open, Clay

[@oukid2633]

wow, are you claiming now that all the taxidermists who work for that association are nerds. And that everyone who's watched this video are nerds, and dont watch tennis. Cause I for one watch tennis and wimbledon is one of the largest tennis events, saying that it's played on clay court is an insult when its widely known as a grass court event.

[@CK-ug8nc]

OMG. I find taxidermy so awesome, not something I’d do myself but I love the beauty of each animal and how it’s frozen in time and especially admiring every strand of fur and muscle structures, it’s so gorgeous such a wonderful piece of not only art but piece of time.

[@Boogers32150]

Perfect women don't exi-

[@JasonJacksonJames]

gay

[@thebrainscoop]

being gay is a-ok

[@johnclavis]

thebrainscoop And being you rules!

[@ShubhamBhushanCC]

Frankly speaking Huge Crush on Emily Graslie. No offence.

[@oukid2633]

how do you know that its not a horny dude with a chick on his profile pic?

[@gracegrass4462]

I had to watch this twice because I kept pausing to read about each entry. Emily's enthusiasm is definitely contagious! The excitement of not only her but all her guests has to be my favorite part about the Brain Scoop!

[@ModestFrog]

I've said it before and I'll say it again; The energy and enthusiasm Emily brings to videos like this is amazing. The taxidermy itself is just mindblowing and I do want to go there myself some day, but Emily's excitement just brings that extra spice that makes you come back 6 years later to watch the whole thing again!

[@Pattern51lover]

Her excitement and enthusiasm is adorable! 😊

[@BlameItOnGreg]

This is by far the best Brain Scoop video in years. It's so nice to have a video that's just you flipping out being excited about what's going on, instead of just reading a script to camera.

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

Spectacular taxidermy, but who is this beautiful host? Her genuine excitement is so endearing. Such a gem.

[@tiad.9536]

I've always been fascinated by taxidermy. I remember going to museums as a kid and just being entranced by the animals. Many people don't understand that taxidermy is a creative way to mount an animal, one that perhaps died in captivity that is a rare species, and allow people for years to see that animal.

[@AlleyBetwixt]

I feel like this video is the flagship of this channel. I have nearly zero interest in the process of taxidermy. It kinda squicks me out. But I couldn't stop smiling and laughing through this. Emily, you're a treasure and your enthusiasm and joy are contagious no matter what the subject. Thank you for sharing your geek-out with us all. Great work, Brain Scoop!!!

[@narraticn]

im also extremely passionate about taxidermy. i think it is a super unique and amazing art, but i rarely ever get to see it. i love touching taxidermy too. birds are my favorite

[@nikidamarshall9878]

I love taxidermy, to me it's a way to observe and see things like never before, seemingly frozen in time. Like, when would you ever get a chance to see two wolverines fighting? inches away from them, or even a polar bear standing up... with you being able to look in his mouth. things you would never naturally see. THIS is why I love it~

[@samuelcarpenter4576]

I love your enthusiasm! Some people find taxidermy macabre or morbid, but done right, and really well, it captures the amazing beauty of the live animal. I can tell that you see this.

[@mrpandabites]

Those sculpts are incredible and the host is adorable.

[@TheGFeather]

Here we see the magnificent Grasslius Emilia in her natural habitat. You look like you had a wonderful time :)

[@macmirez9508]

The interviewer/narrator in this video is incredible. Respect

[@chanlizzie]

Watching people be unabashedly excited about things just makes my heart so happy. I'm not a taxidermy fan but watching Emily who is so over the moon about it is just so lovely. Glad you were able to go, Emily!

[@franzanth]

Did you ever figure out how the artist did the campfire & greasy pan? IT'S AMAZING.

[@thebrainscoop]

No idea. I can only assume it's ~*magic*~

[@franzanth]

My Little Raccoon: Taxidermy is Magic

[@dkecskes2199]

My guess would be that it involves a tiny fan/pump and some kind of soap/glycerin mixture, but might be some other liquid.

[@pandapendragon3335]

I didn't have choice in the poll to say it...but I adore taxidermy! It's a fantastic art, and I think it's so important to continue forward with it. I would give anything to learn to do it myself. This is an amazing video thank you!

[@laughtermedicine1145]

Seeing the narrators excitement is contagious and priceless 😊👍

[@hkwhsu]

It is so wonderful to see the amazing work of these artists. Thank you for taking the time to go and film at this event and share it with us.

[@johnnywhite1681]

Excellent reporter! I wish more reporters had this kind of enthusiasm for there work.

[@dunhamsh1699]

Taxidermy is HARD props to these people, taxidermy takes a lot of hard work and you can not forget any meat

[@c.a.5808]

Thank you, my dear... GREAT JOB! Your enthusiasm is infectious and joyful! I'm not gonna lie. I tear up🤧 at the beauty these amazing, "Artists" are able to recreate, as well. Just amazing God-given creations! Brought to life again, in a wonderful, naturalistic tribute, to their beauty. I'm am so grateful for their respect for nature and their craft.

[@Liza-lm8vq]

her excitement and nerdiness is adorable

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

That's frickin awesome, Emily! As long as you're sharing your passion with us, we'll keep watching. Thank you for always remembering to be awesome!

[@locolobos0035]

We live in the Western suburbs of Chicago and made the trip 100% because of your recommendation in one of your early videos that your viewers read Still Life. I put the world championships on my calendar as soon as I read that book 4 years ago and I was so hyped to be able to make it finally. Now seeing you experience it is even more awesome! I'm so glad you were able to go this year! Thanks for being awesome!

[@wonderwend1]

SOOOO wonderful to see someone so enthusiastic presenting this. Totally adds to the joy of seeing it all

[@pomyang1940]

I'm so happy about Emily ;-; usually when they sent out interviewers/reporters/journalists/etc that covers about taxidermy they're either disgusted or scared or very judgemental about it. The way Emily just enthusiastically appreciated every single one of the creations made me giddy as well!

[@acek2016]

Yes so true

[@rebeccah5897]

I didn't know there was a world taxadermy championships! I would be running around for the first day just so overwhelmed and super excited too! These are all so beautiful and I need to attend this at least once before I die.

[@cameronchapman171]

Your enthusiasm is such a driving force in what keeps me excited with you about this stuff. I wouldn't think to be so enthralled in taxidermy but you're right it's beautiful

[@booberfragil]

This channel is by far my favorite. It's a luxury to watch. My sister and I share videos with each other when life distracts us. Thank you so much.

[@taliesinian]

Emily, I would never have thought of this. Thank you for an introduction to the world of taxidermy. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Anyone who can geek out so hard must be listened to. When and where is the next one!?!

[@factotumtaylor8596]

Emily, I just found your channel. I love your positive attitude and desire to learn and teach. Thanks for all your work. Your sense of humor is priceless.

[@SirSpinalColumn]

Emily your excitement is palpable. I love your energy!

[@NinjaNerdOG]

Emily's enthusiasm here just made me smile so big for the entire video! I love seeing people get excited about things. Especially things I had never considered to be interesting before. Her enthusiasm makes me want to learn more about taxidermy.

[@MadelynTheDoyle]

I remember when you first started making your video series, and this is something that I never would have found myself interested in if it wasn't for you and your adorable, passionate personality. Thank you for bringing new and exciting content!!!!

[@coolcutiekitti17]

Modern taxidermy is so beautiful! I think my favorite part though was the interpretive category pieces. So clever and interesting. That squirrel on the telephone gave me a good chuckle! I think I may need to put this on my bucket list to see in person!

[@clairewestmoreland2243]

Wow some of those pieces were amazing! I've often found taxidermy intriguing but never really considered it an art but it is! The level of care, time and passion that's gone into those animals is just mind boggling wow!

[@HeinousMoron]

I love you Emily 😂 Your enthusiasm is contagious

[@24934637]

The excitement, and innocent almost childlike enthusiasm and wonder shown my Emily is such a beautiful thing to see in a world where so many things are negative.

[@onerandomnerdygirl2306]

I love her passion for everything! This is so cool and it makes me so happy

[@2anonymous]

Very cool Carl Akeley shirt. I've made a living from taxidermy for close to 30 years. I make it to this show about every 4 years. It is awesome.

[@jennieivins]

This made me remember one of the things that gets me excited about learning, and that is other people being SUPER EXCITED ABOUT SOMETHING! I'm so glad you had fun and shared this with us! :D

[@lukaslambs5780]

Taxidermy represents the tremendous capacity for humanity to proliferate its beautiful progress. Having animals preserved such as this makes it possible to freeze specimens in time, to be admired for its beauty and to be learned from for generations to come. Our species's capacity to learn from and build upon previous works is what makes us absolutely incredible. Thank you for shedding light on something so misunderstood. I love your enthusiasm and your channel, your videos make me just as happy as you are in your videos! Thank you Emily!!

[@Hedbasch]

I've never been a fan of taxidermy but it was still a sheer joy to watch this video. Emily's excitement and enthusiasm makes you see the fascinating in anything.

[@MicheleCampbell]

Emily's excitement is adorkable and I am always here for it.

[@silentsoulstaxidermy5837]

I love how she's very expressive about how overwhelming yet cool it is. I remember feeling like that at my first taxidermy meet. I'm hoping to go to the Euros in 2018.

[@gravityvertigo13579]

Like, this is hype, and I love seeing how amazing these works are, but honestly your passion for it is infectious and makes it even more fun!

[@AphidKirby]

That duck landing and swimming mount made me cry actual tears I'm so happy humans have the capacity to recreate and capture such complex moments with such accuracy!! thank you for showcasing this!!!

[@therealpixie]

I absolutely adore your geeky enthusiasm. Your eyes were sparkling the whole way through this video. And somehow your braids made it even better.

[@Erin-S]

I could watch an outrageous amount of this taxidermy competition. This looks like so much fun and watching you was so great. I'm shocked more people aren't there because that art is off the charts. Great video!

[@fasfan]

This is exactly why I enjoy this channel. There's education about all sorts of things... and Emily still enjoys it and geeks out from time to time.

[@pr0v0cative4pple]

I gotta say, while you were talking in the last scene, I was looking around at the critters in the background, and just, WOW, that flying mallard duck behind you? The sculptor took the liberty of bending its feathers to emphasize the power in the downstroke of the wings. It's minute details like this that make all the difference in the world.

[@alyasgrey9370]

God... I love your enthusiasm so much.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

Watching her geek out over something she is passionate about just made me smile through the entire thing....

[@Onami3]

She's so honestly excited it's adorable, I love it

[@amydean2934]

Before this, I have no idea how taxidermy works. But now, thanks to Emily, taxidermy seems like an interesting field. Thank you Emily for showing us the fun stuff in taxidermy xx

[@TheImpiroGirl]

I would watch an hour long video of you with commentary of just going through each entry in every class and category. The artistry is amazing and your enthusiasm makes it so much better

[@KyleCulver]

Emily's excitement for taxidermy is like when I finally got to go to a Star Wars Celebration con. I get the overwhelmed-so-much-I'm-going-to-cry-happy-tears feeling completely. ;) This was great.

[@yourbrotherphil5540]

The passion you show for stuff like this just makes me really happy. I'd love to go out with you to something like this, just so I could share in your excitement.

[@srpilha]

When I thought I couldn't love this series more than I already do, here comes Emily and her impossibly contagious passion. Daaaaaaaaaamn

[@elioragoodman5293]

I would absolutely love to see more videos from this championship - I never knew how fascinating taxidermy is and how much effort goes into it!

[@djr5995]

The art and skill in this is astonishing! what an awesome upload, I can't believe how real they look

[@LaynieFingers]

You are such a geek, in the best possible way! I love that you're showing how artistic and fascinating a taxidermy competition can be!

[@AbeaversHHYDGTJ]

I'm so glad to see one of the initial goals of the channel fulfilled!

[@hellozup]

Awwh your excitement is contagious, nice video Emily

[@devilsenvy13]

The emotional moment at the end was so cute! And the exhibits were amazing!

[@dwaipayansarkar2358]

You know what guys, this lady herself is awesome.

[@laoch33]

Cuuuute! The tears in the eyes! The emotions!! and the animals and art were awesome)

[@frankie051789]

I love Emily and I really love this display of pure unironic enthusiasm. And I had no idea there was world championships for taxidermy!

[@EliseLogan]

I love, love how geeked out you are over this. Thanks. Added bonus - just finished reading a book that has a Chinese ferret badger in it, so seeing one mounted here was great!

[@margaretguillory]

I love how you were geeking out at the show.

[@fuzzball57]

Great interviews and topic - your enthusiasm makes this report exceptional.

[@slushymermaid666]

I admittedly am teary-eyed. Been in the bone processing and taxidermy biz for a few years now and I'm glad it's not just me nerding out over these works of art. So happy you were able to finally go to this event and document for us! Love this video!

[@Koop784]

It's fun to see you so excited.

[@JuanMartinez-vd8mo]

I love you and your channel .... Shout out from Elgin IL ..... :).... Blessings

[@SuperSwatts1]

I love taxidermy. It is just so amazing what people can do.

[@leereadman9940]

have no idea how l ended up here but glad l did, they are really beautiful. thanks so much for sharing

[@cait_o_saurus]

THIS PLACE LOOKS AMAZING! More than a little bit in love with that snow leopard, but then again they are my favourite animal. I'm just astounded by how startlingly real everything looks , nothing like the characteristics "bad" taxidermy that normally gets the spotlight. Keep up the great work brain scoop team, please let this be a yearly thing!

[@oscartravis5740]

I await a taxidermy version of that amazing picture of the baby weasel hitching a ride on the back of a kingfisher

[@coalhoste5159]

Taxidermy is fucking epic and you made it more epic.

[@Backyard.Archery]

So glad you are back!

[@bsteph5019]

I'll never forget the first time I remember seeing a taxidermy mount. It was a full sized, 8 ft brown bear displayed in the cafeteria of an outdoor school called Camp Hi-Hill out here in Southern California that us kids from all the schools in surrounding districts got to go to in 5th grade. It was located in the Angeles National Forest and it was the coolest thing ever to me! Recently I went to a tattoo parlor that had a full sized taxidermy mount of a pug and I definitely got a kick out of that lol. It was very well made and I assume it was a beloved pet of the shop owner, I didn't ask though.