A zoo is a place for children’s eyes to widen with excitement and wonder. The animals act as their divinity; so grand and powerful, both in their movements and sounds. The sense of awe is overcoming when their favorite animals eyes meet their own. However, as I entered the dead zoo the only eyes that met mine were made of glass and wood. The cold blank stares were bitter, almost unsettling and the once magnificent creatures were now just still ornaments in need of a dust. Out of the darkened corner of the room loomed a lanky, awkward man with a kind smile.
Michael Buzzer is the owner of The Museum of Taxidermy located in Guildford, Western Australia that is home to over 300 specimens. He has worked in this line of business for over forty years and in that time has taken part in numerous art classes to further his skills as a Taxidermist. As I speak to Michael the recordings of ‘nature’ echo in the background, he passionately yells over the hooting of an owl about his zeal for environmental conservation. It is obvious from the three days that I went to see Michael that he owns the museum for the love and not the money, for without the ironic sounds of animals it would be as dead quite as the creatures themselves.
Most of the work is done by Michael himself, starting first with removing the skin and then molding a replica of the animal’s body usually with plaster or polyurethane foam. The larger skins are sent to NSW to receive a higher level of treatment, which may take up to a month. The animals Michael receives are mainly pet’s with nostalgic owners, animals found on the side of the road that people bring in to him and the occasional donation from the zoo. Even forty years on Michael still loves his job as his inner child’s eyes widen with glee every time one of his artistic creatures are completed.
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| The entrance to The Museum of Taxidermy, Guildford, Western Australia, March 26th 2011. The museum is home to over 300 specimens. |
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| Michael Buzzer, 57 years old, Taxidermist, stands with his latest creation March 26th, 2011. Micheal has been in the business over 40 years. |
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| Michael Buzzer, 57 years old, Taxidermist, brushes a large bull, March 31st, 2011. Keeping the animals groomed and insect free is a full time job. |
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| Michael Buzzer, 57 years old, Taxidermist, makes the final touches to a Barn Owl, March 26th, 2011. Michael has taken numerous art classes at Tafe to better his work. |
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| Bear Skin drapped over a plaster mould, The Museum of Taxidermy, Guildford, Western Australia, March 26th 2011. Skins are sent to NSW to recieve a higher level of treatment. |
