Wendy, a representative from Museums Victoria, came to visit our Elders and staff at Margriet Manor to showcase a taxidermy collection of iconic Australian wildlife.
Wendy, a representative from Museums Victoria, came to visit our Elders and staff at Margriet Manor to showcase a taxidermy collection of iconic Australian wildlife.
She explained to the staff and Elders that taxidermy is a specialised method many historical museums use to prepare and mount the skins of deceased animals in order to preserve their bodies with a lifelike effect.
Marianne (pictured above) coaches our Elder, Anne (right) on how to correctly stroke a taxidermical of a platypus.
Not surprisingly the cute and cuddly koala with its ultra-soft fur was the star favourite among both our Elders and staff.
The koala was not a hit with everyone as indicated by Elder Harold’s dog, Hirdy (pictured above), as he suspiciously sniffed and growled at the koala as Marianne passed it along the circle of Elders. Hirdy was not much of a fan of other animal taxidermies either much to the amusement of both staff and Elders but particularly so Harold.
Wendy also individually explained each of the animals’ behavioural and feeding patterns. The activity was a very interesting and highly interactive insight into Australia’s iconic wildlife. Thank you again to Wendy from Museums Victoria for visiting and showcasing us this amazing collection.
