[NHCOLL-L:5882] RE: freeze dried specimens .v.traditional taxidermy

[Bob Glotzhober]

We have used a large freeze-drier since 1984. The manufacturer is now out of business -- but we have been able to keep it going, with a few interruptions (twice had to replace vacuum pump -- due to errors in maintenance, which have been corrected). The unit is 36" diameter and 60" long. As was mentioned by another lister, chemicals to spray or inject are no longer availab le. So it is important to keep the specimens well protected from dermestids and cloths moths. 
 
We have been gradually trying to upgrade our storage cabinets -- but still have a large number of old, wooden cabinets that are not always air/bug/tight. Two years ago we got cloths moths into several of or old cases with bird study skins. Of those freeze-dried, we lost 90% in the four infected cabinets -- but zero of the older (some 100 years plus) that were treated with arsenic. We were able to salvage portions of the damaged specimens as either wrapped in ziplock baggies for some feather and genetic value (after cleaning and re-freeze drying to kill any remaining insects), and some were reduced to skeletal preparations.
 
In exhibit spaces, I've tried to display such animals with a concealed film canister, with holes punched in it, and a piece of flea collar inside. The holes let the fumes from the flea collar spread, but the film canister prevents oils in the flea collar which leak out over time from damaging fur or feathers. Not a perfect world - but it seems to be working. 
 
The big advantage for our musuem, and several park districts and other educational institutiions which we help, is that common species can be freeze-dried and then safely handled by the public, expecting that over time they will wear out and be destroyed. Hence we maintain two collections: permanent material with data and educational specimens that we anticipate will be lost.
 
Bob Glotzhober
Senior Curator, natural history
Ohio Historical Society

________________________________

From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu on behalf of Ruth Mollison
Sent: Wed 3/7/2012 5:26 PM
To: nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:5880] freeze dried specimens .v.traditional taxidermy



Hello,

I need to gather information on the advantages of freeze dried taxidermy mounts versus traditionally made taxidermy mounts. This is for the museum I work for as it is undergoing a major redevelopment in exhibitions at present.

I would love to have some opinions, information and experiences of using both these methods.

 

 

Ruth Mollison  

 Zoology Registration Officer/   Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery  / City site: 5 Argyle Street HOBART/ Rosny Site: Collections and Research, Winkleigh Place Rosny.

 

Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts

 

Rosny phone: 6211 4172

City Phone: 6211 4203

Email: ruth.mollison at tmag.tas.gov.au

 

I work Tuesday to Friday at either the Rosny or the city sites.

 

 


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