• 29 March 2024
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National Institute of
Natural Sciences (NINS)

Taxidermy

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The word “taxidermy” is derived from two ancient Greek words – taxis, meaning movement, and derma, meaning skin. Taxidermy is the part of an art of animating the dead zoological specimens to the virtual life-like representation for permanent display. It is one of the most fascinating, challenging and sophisticated profession which reflects the creation of fashion and an artistic talent by the taxidermist. Taxidermist should have the knowledge about wildlife animals their habit and behavioral activities in the natural habitat. In addition, the actual skin, including the fur, feathers and skeleton of the specimen is preserved and mounted over an artificial armature in the zoological and natural history museum.

An artist always thinks about the creation and pay considerable attention to show new design for the generation. Although there are many challenges, but the priority has given to new concept which represents by getting satisfaction behind the landscape to illustrate how objects have been entangled in life as well as how creatively taken part in their afterlives”

 – Taxidermy in Nepal: “Oohi” Govinda Bahadur Gurung 

Professional taxidermy in Nepal got a huge boost during the time of the Ranas, who wanted their hunting trophies for display in their palaces. Moreover, they hunted the Royal Bengal Tiger, Rhino and Elephant to show their braveness, they were influenced by the British and Indian scene at the time and derived. During the Rana era, trophies were handed out and ‘full-mounting’ was done. The Ranas were especially influenced by the British Royals with whom they established close ties and whose life styles they often mimicked. After the Ranas, the few Nepalese Royal went to the forest for hunting with hunters and brought the dead animals for taxidermy purposed.

The first artist to be officially honored in music Nepal, as he claims, he received a medal in 1952 at the Birat Sangeet Sammelan, while he was working at Radio Nepal. It is the same ‘Oohi’ Govinda Bahadur Gurung, now an octogenarian, who is the first ideal taxidermist of the country. Gurung started preserving animals and birds since his early childhood. Born in a military family, Gurung joined the army but his love for music and natural art could not confine him to the boundaries of military life. Scores of certificates are displayed on the walls of the verandah of his house. The National Institute of Natural Sciences (NINS) in Ghattekulo-32 his address now, houses hundreds of his artworks. His works nevertheless reveal outstanding perfection. In the meantime, Madan Gurung, his son, has stepped in on his father’s shoes. Most of the works are being done by Mr. Madan now, with, of course, the careful and experienced eyes of his father watching him. The stuffed birds, posed in resting, flying and other various positions, chirp as Madan turns on a switch. Using the artificial sounds of birds he has collected, he tries to give a lifelike resemblance to the dead birds. Another innovation of Madan’s goes beyond this. A Screech Barking Owl, as if it were a live one, turns its head. The father and son have plans to establish a zoological museum in Nepal and a training center to teach students, researcher about this unique natural art.

An artist is not play only with colors it represents the objective of an art towards the upcoming generation that we can found in the taxidermy”. Taxidermists make a chain between wildlife and human life cycle.

 – Taxidermy in Nepal: “Oohi” Govinda Bahadur Gurung

Taxidermy Training

Taxidermy is derived from two Latin Greek word Taxis + derma, Taxis defines the arrangement and the derma defines about skin. It is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals (especially vertebrates) for display (e.g. as hunting trophies) or for other sources of study. Taxidermy can be done on all vertebrate species of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. A person who practices taxidermy is called a taxidermist.

Presently, NINS is providing Vocational training on Taxidermy and wildlife art in close collaboration in Kathmandu, Nepal. The training is three to six months long based on the curriculum and its intensity. Here is brilliant and expert teacher in this museum. After taking this training, the museum will send to test of International level of training in foreign areas.

In the vast sense, taxidermy is a part of preparing, stuffing and mounting the skin of animal.

For any Taxidermy purpose you can contact
Mr. Madan Gurung, President & Senior Taxidermist
Tel. No.: +977-9841449348
Mr. Gopal Maharjan, Senior Taxidermist
Tel. No.: +977-9841528125

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Get Involved The NINS preserved thousands of zoological botanical, archeological specimens not only for visitors. Behind the doors of its historical meaning, the museum hoBehind the doors of its historical meaning, the museum ho used these specimens Read More

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