How do I know Taxidermy is Ethical?

by Sabine Gilcher July 27, 2024

How do we know the taxidermy we purchase is ethical and where the animal has been sourced from? It's a great question, and one that should be asked.

'Ethics' can be a very broad term when it comes to taxidermy, and I do see this word thrown around a lot. However, what one person may think is ethical - another may not. Confusing, right? Let me try and help clarify a little... In my opinion it is up to YOU - the purchaser to deem what is ethical for you, it comes down to what you are comfortable with. Any decent taxidermist will be totally transparent and happy to answer your questions about where they source their animals from.

One example may be the subject of pest control. In Australia we have immense problems with feral cats and foxes harming our native wildlife and affecting farms. Pest control to protect biodiversity, can be deemed as 'ethical' (as long as it is done humanely). Some may not be comfortable with a taxidermy that is sourced in this way - and that is totally cool! I do source foxes and cats in this way from time to time, I am grateful to provide them a second life where someone will love them in another way. They are beautiful creatures after all...

Another big talking point is the use of entomology specimens in art. For the record - a perfect specimen with zero damage to its wings or body has likely been farmed and euthanised immediately for sale in insect supply shops. Sounds not so great right? On the flip-side of this, there are insect farms out there that will put their proceeds back into environmental causes. So again, it is what you are comfortable with purchasing.

Bat taxidermy is another topic I will address in a seperate post.

For Yours Oddly, our philosophy is never, ever to harm an animal for the purpose of our art. We love our critters and value them highly!

It can be very daunting when there are so many taxidermy and oddities shops out there - but when in doubt just ask! If it feels off and people are cagey then go with your gut feeling.

There are some great businesses to purchase from in Australia for taxidermy and oddities, here is just a small list of some amazing artists that I can vouch for: