TAXIDERMISTS HAVE THE RIGHT STUFF
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The art of taxidermy is a technique for preserving and showing animals as they appeared when they were alive. It requires a knowledge of anatomy, sculpture, tanning, dyeing, painting and natural history.
Orange County at one time had enough professional taxidermists to require counting with both hands. Today there are just three.
There appears to be a trend in bereaved pet owners who are turning to taxidermists in order to keep their beloved animals with them forever. Most taxidermists refuse to work on pets because, they say, the owners are never really satisfied. Taxidermists say they can make animals look like they’re alive, but they can’t put personalities in their faces.
Two of the three are willing to handle pets. Some of those they have worked on include iguanas, hamsters, dogs, cats and snakes.
And yes, it’s against the law to stuff a human being (though the request is still made). The prices listed below include mounting.
BOB’S TAXIDERMY
1912 W. Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton
(714) 870-8282
Fish: $200 minimum 18-20 inches; over 20 inches, $10 per inch
Pheasant: $95
Waterfowl: $95 to $225
Deer’s head: $295
Bear’s head: $300
Small life-size bear: $1,525
No pets
Takes 6 to 9 months
Most unusual animal prepared: Saiga antelope and wombat
Smallest: mouse
Largest: giraffe
LIVING DESIGNS TAXIDERMY
917 Sunset Drive
Costa Mesa
(714) 645-4820
Fish: $180 minimum up to 20 inches; over 20 inches, $9 per inch
Pheasant: $95
Waterfowl: $95 and up
Deer’s head: $275
Bear’s head: $300
Small life-size bear: $1,200
Bison (buffalo)-3 years old-about 900 pounds): $2,500
Will do pets with the exception of dogs and cats.
Takes about 6 months
Most unusual animal prepared: pet monkey
Smallest: finch
Largest: buffalo
TROPHY ROOM TAXIDERMY
11801 Cardinal Circle
Garden Grove
(714) 534-6370
Fish: $180 minimum up to 20 inches; over 20 inches, $9 per inch
Pheasant: $85
Waterfowl: $95 to $125
Deer’s head: $260
Bear’s head: $270
Small bear: $1,400
Bison (buffalo): $3,000
Bison head: $625
Cats: (10-15 pounds) $400
Dogs: (10-15 pounds) $500
May take up to one year
Most unusual animal prepared: rhinoceros (head)
Smallest: turtle embryo
Largest: polar bear
Source: Individual taxidermists and the National Taxidermy Association
