The Art and Science of Preserving Caribou Through Taxidermy

The Art of Caribou Taxidermy

Taxidermy is the art of preserving an animal's body via stuffing and mounting for the purpose of display. While taxidermy has gotten a bad reputation from some, many view it as a way to appreciate the beauty of animals and nature. One unique form of taxidermy is caribou taxidermy, focusing on preserving the iconic caribou.

Caribou Anatomy and Features

The caribou, known as reindeer in Europe, are a species of deer found in the Arctic tundra regions of North America and northern Europe. They are known for their large, elaborate antlers on both males and females. Caribou have a stocky build with short tails and legs, and thick, warm coats to survive frigid northern winters.

Some key anatomical features of caribou include:

• Antlers - Both male and female caribou grow antlers annually, with males tending to have larger, more complex antlers.
• Fur - Their fur is hollow which helps insulate them in extreme cold. It is typically brown or gray.
• Hooves - Caribou hooves are large and designed to help them walk on snow and tundra.
• Eyes - Caribou have excellent eyesight and sense of smell to detect predators.
• Size - An adult caribou is typically 4-5 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh 300-700 lbs.

These unique anatomical features make the caribou an excellent candidate for taxidermy displays.

Preserving the Caribou Through Taxidermy

There are several steps a professional taxidermist takes to skillfully preserve a caribou:

1. Skinning - The first step is skinning the caribou to remove its fur/hide from the carcass.
2. Fleshing - Next, the skin is fleshed to remove any remaining muscle and fat tissues.
3. Tanning - The hide is then tanned to help preserve and soften it. Caribou skin is usually freeze dried.
4. Form Preparation - An anatomical form made of foam or other materials is prepared and shaped.
5. Mounting - The preserved, tanned skin is carefully mounted onto the form.
6. Finishing - Final touches are added like glass eyes and finishing the fur. Antlers may be preserved or replicas made.

It takes great attention to detail, artistry, and anatomical knowledge to properly preserve a caribou through taxidermy. The finished product maintains the caribou's natural shape, features, and beauty for display purposes.

Prized Attributes of Caribou Taxidermy

There are a few key attributes that make caribou such a prized and admired animal for taxidermy:

• Antlers - The large, complex antlers of caribou are a centerpiece. No two sets are alike.
• Fur - The lush, thick fur of caribou is beautifully preserved and presented.
• Hooves - Their unique hooves and leg stance are captured.
• Eyes - Glass eyes carefully mimic the eyes and expression of live caribou.
• Size - As large animals, they have impressive mounted forms.

Beyond these physical attributes, caribou taxidermy allows people to appreciate their symbolic importance. In many cultures, like those of indigenous northern tribes, the caribou holds spiritual and cultural significance.

Artistic Aspects of Taxidermy

While rooted in anatomical science, taxidermy also contains great artistry. When it comes to caribou taxidermy, some key artistic considerations include:

• Pose - from standing, to lying down, to leaping.
• Facial Expression - calm, alert, or even ferocious.
• Groupings - solitary animal or standing with others.
• Habitat - mounted in tundra, forest, or other ecosystem.

The taxidermist has creative license when deciding how to mount and pose the preserved caribou. This allows them to create dynamic, educational, and artistic displays.

Ethics and Regulations

For some, taxidermy can raise ethical concerns surrounding hunting and killing animals solely for display. However, most taxidermists follow a code of ethics focused on respect and conservation. They typically only preserve caribou who:

• Died of natural causes.
• Were legally hunted for consumption.
• Need to be put down due to injury/illness.

Responsible taxidermists aim to reduce unnecessary hunting and educate about conservation. Additionally, caribou taxidermy is regulated. Depending on location, specific licenses and permits are required to legally acquire and preserve caribou specimens.

In Conclusion

Caribou taxidermy allows the iconic tundra deer to be preserved for education, appreciation, and art. The complex process highlights the beauty of caribou anatomy. Mounted caribou displays evoke the north country wilderness and the circle of life. When practiced ethically and respectfully, taxidermy reminds us that humans are but one part of nature, lacking dominion over it.

FAQs

What are the key steps in preparing a caribou for taxidermy?

The main steps include skinning, fleshing, tanning, form preparation, mounting the skin, and finishing with features like eyes. Each step requires expertise to properly preserve the caribou.

How long does it take to fully mount and finish a caribou taxidermy project?

It typically takes 200-400 hours or more spread out over several months to complete a whole caribou taxidermy mount. The tanning and drying of the skin is very time intensive.

What materials are used to create the mount form?

Caribou forms are usually made from polyurethane foams and plastics. They can also be made from resins reinforced with glass fibers. Wood and clay were used traditionally.

Can the original antlers be preserved for taxidermy?

Sometimes the original antlers can be used if properly cleaned and treated. Other times replicas must be substituted since antlers can be fragile. Custom resin antlers are common.

What is the purpose of caribou taxidermy displays?

Beyond decoration, they have educational, artistic, cultural, and conservation value. They showcase the anatomy, habitat, and behaviors of caribou through detailed mounts.