How did the practice of taxidermy start?

Taxidermy is the practice of preserving dead animals for exhibition or academic purposes.

As explained by Kuya Kim on “24 Oras” Tuesday, the word comes from the Greek terms “taxis,” which means to arrange, and “derma,” which means skin.

It started in Europe in the 16-17th century as a way to preserve specimens collected by world-traveling explorers.

Back then, it was done by taking out the skin and preserving it with chemicals before having it placed back on the animal.

At present, however, only the internal organs are removed while the skin is retained.

Taxidermy is not just done at museums—some pet owners have also been known to have their late furry friends preserved.

Klarence Libranda, for instance, had her 8-year-old dog Cody taxidermied after it died due to lupus in January.

“Parang buhay na buhay. Iyong lungkot na nararamdaman namin, it turns to happiness,” she said.

However, some animal groups are against the practice. Lani Castillo of CARA Welfare Philippines said taxidermy was unethical, saying a dead pet should be buried or cremated.

But Klarence disagrees. “Iyong love namin sa alaga namin ayaw naming mawala. I-respeto na lang nila,” she said.

Veterinarian Jayson Sumaway, Cody’s taxidermist, said the procedure could take 3-4 months for small animals and 5-6 months for bigger ones.

He also said the preserved animal could last up to 100 years as long as it was protected against molds and didn’t get wet.

Meanwhile, Lolong, the once recorded largest crocodile in captivity, also underwent taxidermy for almost five years. It is now found at National Museum of Natural History. – RC, GMA News