Frequently Asked Questions

Your taxidermy questions answered!

Are you allowed to preserve native specimens?

I am allowed to preserve Australian Native specimens in NSW outlined by the Biodiversity Conservation Act (2016) under a professional taxidermy licence. The only specimens we are not permitted to keep are raptors.

Can I get a taxidermy/holder’s licence?

Absolutely! In NSW it is only $30 and a simple form to apply for. The department is however very slow and will take a while to get back to you.

https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/licences-and-permits/wildlife-licences/taxidermy-licence

Do you refurbish antique taxidermy?

Yes I do! There are a number of ways to restore old or damage taxidermy. Just send me an email with some photos of what you’d like restored and we can chat.

Can I learn taxidermy?

Anyone can learn taxidermy! Unfortunately I don’t know of any courses being taught formally at the moment, but the lovely folks at Rest In Pieces, Melbourne offer beginner kits for you to learn at home.

Check them out: https://www.restinpieces.com.au/

What is the largest animal you taxidermy?

I taxidermy animals that range from finches and mice to animals about the size of adult cats. This can include extremely large rabbits and large parrots as well. I’m not really set up to work on large game like deer or big dogs.

Do you kill the animals you taxidermy?

I have not killed any of the animals I have taxidermied. They come to me in the form of road kill, reptile feeders, euthanised ferals and people’s pets that they have brought to me.

Commission FAQs

Before any commission work can go ahead it’s important you make a note of the following checklist so that you and I are both aware of the pitfalls and problems occurred during the taxidermy process, as well as the laws surrounding the preservation and possession of our beautiful native animals.

Is the animal I want preserved native?

Australian Native specimens are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act (2016). This means that unless you have a NSW holders licence and are a NSW resident with specific species listed, it is illegal for you to possess any native animal remains.

I had a native bird as a pet. Can I get it preserved?

If you’re in NSW, there is a shortlist of birds that are on the exempt list to keep as pets without a licence. These birds are allowed to be taxidermied and kept (within NSW only) without a licence.

Will they still look like my pet?

I don’t usually do mammals as I find preparing them a little too much pressure. But I do manage quite well with birds, so I’m always happy to give it my best. Just be aware that the process can cause changes and they might be different from what you remember.

What if I want a dome for my specimen?

Domes are incredibly difficult to come by in Australia. If you’re after a large dome, it might either be impossible to locate or incredibly expensive (upwards of $300), so please keep that in mind.

My pet has passed. What do I do if I want it taxidermied?

When your pet passes, the best thing to do is get it frozen straight away. This prevents bacterial growth that can cause slippage. Best practice is to double bag it in plastic bags and place it in the freezer ASAP!

Can I have some environment with my mount?

Of course! If it’s a bird specimen, please keep scrolling down to see your options! But also be aware that the more complicated it is, the greater the cost.

Can you make a custom rogue taxidermy for me?

If you have a special creature in mind, like a hot pink bunny, a snail mouse or a winged rabbit, as long as the specimens are legal to own, I’m always willing to try! Email me with your ideas and we can certainly collaborate.

What happens if the specimen slips?

Dealing with organic matter will always make it subject to decay. A relatively common occurrence with taxidermy is something called “slippage” this is when the fur or feathers falls off the skin leaving a bald patch. Sometimes this can be patched up or hidden with a clever pose, but if a specimen slips too much it might be beyond repair.

If you still want to proceed, just send me an email!

Will you taxidermy a mammal that was not a pet?

If you happen to have a non-native specimen like a cat or a rabbit that you would like taxidermied but is not your pet, I am always willing to try!

Bird Mounting Options

  • Simple Mount

    Your bird posed on a natural branch or constructed perch with a simple, varnished base.

  • Mount with Environment

    Your bird posed on a base with as much or as little environment of your choosing.

  • Simple Dome

    Your bird mounted in a simple dome on a natural branch or perch.

  • Dome with Environment

    Your bird posed inside a dome with as much or as little environment of your choosing.