Arguments in Favor of Taxidermy

A Career in Taxidermy
Missed the information session on taxidermy at your last career fair? No problem, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the process. Whether you're ready to jump right in and attend taxidermy school or you'd like to get your feet wet by attending a workshop or convention, there are multiple options to satisfy your hunger for knowledge.

There's no denying that taxiderm­y is a popular practice -- demand has remained steady for decades. You've probably seen dozens of perfectly preserved animals on the walls of homes, bars, restaurants and lodges.

Taxidermists take their jobs quite seriously -- like many other professions, taxidermy has a code of ethics. This code helps maintain an industry standard. Taxidermists must keep all necessary licenses in good standing; advise clients of conservation and game laws; present fair, clearly defined service rates; and refuse to alter or falsify trophy characteristics [source: Taxidermy].

Greek Heritage
Like many words in the English language, Taxidermy has ancient Greek roots. "Taxis" means movement and "derma" means skin, so it can be roughly translated to mean "the movement of skin." Given the nature of taxidermy work, that's a pretty logical name [source: Taxidermy].

­Taxidermy fans view it as a way to honor the animals and commemorate an impressive hunting expedition. And remember that the artist had nothing to do with the actual killing. Animals that go to the taxidermist have already died, whether death was caused naturally or by hunting.

So what has some people feeling not so great about taxidermy? Head to the next page.