Welcome to an intriguing exploration of taxidermy with Katie Innamorato, a skilled taxidermy artist, and Anna Goldman, the manager of the mammal preparation lab. Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating process of taxidermy using squirrels as our subjects.
Katie and Anna explain the differences between taxidermy and preparation. Taxidermy is a detailed art that involves additional steps like splitting lips, turning ears inside out, and other meticulous tasks to ensure the animal’s hide is ready for mounting. In contrast, Anna’s work focuses on creating study skins for scientific research, which is a simpler process aimed at examining color patterns and other data.
The first step in taxidermy is acquiring specimens. In this case, the squirrels are sourced from roadkill. The condition of these specimens is assessed, noting any trauma they may have experienced.
Katie emphasizes the importance of cutting in the direction of the fur to prevent damage. They discuss the careful process of making incisions and handling the specimens gently to preserve the fur’s integrity.
Fleshing involves removing tissue from the skin, while tanning uses a chemical solution to preserve the skins. For this demonstration, pre-tanned specimens are used to streamline the process.
Katie demonstrates the use of high-density urethane foam forms for mounting, which are different from using actual skeleton parts. They show how to prepare these forms and apply epoxy to secure the limbs effectively.
The final steps involve sewing the skins onto the forms using strong, clear monofilament. They discuss the stitching technique and how to achieve a natural appearance for the finished mounts.
After a day of dedicated work, Katie and Anna reflect on the taxidermy process and express their satisfaction with the results. They extend their gratitude to Katie for her expertise and guidance throughout the session.
The Brain Scoop is proudly presented by the Field Museum in Chicago, offering insights into the world of taxidermy and beyond.
Engage in a hands-on workshop where you will learn the initial steps of specimen preparation. Practice making precise incisions and handling specimens with care to preserve the fur’s integrity. This activity will help you understand the meticulous nature of taxidermy and the importance of each step in the process.
Participate in a virtual tour of a taxidermy lab to observe professionals like Katie and Anna at work. Pay attention to the differences between taxidermy and preparation, and take notes on the techniques used for creating study skins versus mounted specimens. This will enhance your understanding of the field and its applications.
Analyze a case study on the ethical considerations of sourcing specimens for taxidermy. Discuss the implications of using roadkill and other methods, and propose guidelines for ethical specimen acquisition. This activity will encourage critical thinking about the ethical dimensions of taxidermy.
Create a DIY model of a taxidermy mount using materials like clay and foam. Follow the steps demonstrated by Katie, including forming, mounting, and sewing. This creative activity will allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, reinforcing the concepts learned.
Join a discussion panel with experts in the field to explore the intersection of art and science in taxidermy. Prepare questions about the techniques, challenges, and innovations in taxidermy. This will provide you with a broader perspective on the discipline and its future directions.
**Warning**
This episode contains material that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
**Grossometer – Extreme**
Some blood, skin removal, visible organs.
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**Introduction**
Hey, we’re here with Katie Innamorato, a taxidermy artist, and Anna Goldman, the mammal’s prep lab manager. Today we’re going to learn how to taxidermy some squirrels.
**Difference Between Taxidermy and Preparation**
Katie explains that taxidermy involves extra steps compared to what Anna does. Taxidermy requires more preparation, such as splitting lips and eyelids, turning ears inside out, and more meticulous work to ensure the hide can be properly mounted later. Anna’s work focuses on creating study skins for research, which is a simpler process that allows scientists to examine color patterns and other data.
**Specimen Acquisition**
The first step is to find some deceased squirrels, which in this case are from roadkill. They discuss the condition of the specimens, noting some trauma.
**Preparation Steps**
Katie emphasizes the importance of cutting with the direction of the fur to avoid damage. They discuss the process of making incisions and how to handle the specimens gently to preserve the fur.
**Fleshing and Tanning**
Fleshing involves removing tissue from the skin, and tanning is done using a chemical solution to preserve the skins. They mention that they have pre-tanned specimens for the sake of the demonstration.
**Mounting the Specimen**
Katie explains the use of high-density urethane foam forms for mounting, which differ from using actual skeleton parts. They demonstrate how to prepare the forms and apply epoxy to secure the limbs.
**Sewing and Finishing Touches**
The final steps involve sewing the skins onto the forms using monofilament, which is strong and clear. They discuss the stitching technique and how to achieve a natural look for the finished mounts.
**Conclusion**
After a long day of work, they reflect on the process and express satisfaction with the results. They thank Katie for her guidance and expertise.
**Closing**
The Brain Scoop is brought to you by the Field Museum in Chicago.
Taxidermy – The art or process of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals with lifelike effect. – The museum’s taxidermy exhibit showcased expertly preserved specimens that highlighted the diversity of wildlife.
Preparation – The process of making something ready for use or consideration, especially in a scientific or technical context. – Proper preparation of the laboratory equipment is crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results.
Specimens – Samples or parts of a whole, typically used for scientific study or display. – The biologist collected various plant specimens to analyze the effects of pollution on local flora.
Fleshing – The process of removing flesh from the skin of an animal, often as a step in taxidermy or leather preparation. – Fleshing is a critical step in taxidermy to ensure that the skin is clean and ready for preservation.
Tanning – The process of treating animal skins to produce leather, making them durable and less susceptible to decomposition. – Tanning the hides was an essential step in the DIY project to create custom leather goods.
Mounting – The process of securing or displaying an object, often used in the context of taxidermy or scientific exhibits. – The entomologist spent hours mounting insect specimens for the educational display.
Sewing – The act of joining or attaching materials using a needle and thread, often used in crafting or repairs. – Sewing the seams of the protective cover ensured that the equipment remained safe from dust and moisture.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Conducting thorough research is essential for developing innovative solutions in the field of renewable energy.
Integrity – The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, or the state of being whole and undivided, especially in scientific work. – Maintaining data integrity is crucial for the credibility of scientific research findings.
Techniques – Methods or skills needed to bring about a certain result, often used in scientific or technical contexts. – Advanced microscopy techniques allowed the researchers to observe cellular processes in unprecedented detail.
