What’s Involved in the Freeze Dry Taxidermy Process?

What is freeze dry taxidermy? It is a preservation method that involves eliminating the decaying process in living plant and animal tissues. The process consists of low temperatures and vacuum applications to extract moisture from the specimen, leaving it unaltered. After this process is completed, the animal is returned to room temperature remaining in the same condition and is subjected to the same care and treatment as other valued possessions.

Unlike freeze-drying for biotechnology or the food industry, this is a relatively new practice for preserving games and deceased pets. It is commonly used in the United States, though there is freeze-drying taxidermy in New Zealand. Would you like to know what is involved in this process? This article has been thoroughly researched to give you all the answers you may need about this new process.

 

How Do You Freeze Dry Taxidermy?

Freeze-drying involves slowly freezing the animal to remove water in the form of vapor using high –pressure vacuum through a process called lyophilization. The extracted vapor is collected in a condenser where it is condensed back to ice and is removed. Further, an increase in temperature eliminates the remaining moisture from the specimen.

 

Step by Step Process of Freeze-Drying Taxidermy

• The animal is carefully prepared and posed on a custom-made framework.
• It is frozen in that state and posture at low temperatures of about -100°F.
• It is placed in a sealed (high-pressure) vacuum chamber with low temperatures of about 10°F. As a result, the frozen moisture will slowly evaporate and is collected in a condenser.
• The condenser will solidify the moisture at temperatures of -60°F and then is extracted.
• The specimen will then be returned to room temperature, where it remains identified in the same state.
• Necessary care and treatment are accorded to it just like with other trophy animals.
• How long does this process take?
• Generally, a larger animal will take more time in extracting the moisture—usually about four to five months.
• For small animals, it may take eight to twelve weeks to remove water.
• However, all animals have their unique composition and may take the average time.

 

What Are the Advantages of Freeze Dry Taxidermy?

• The whole specimen can be preserved permanently: With this process, since the animal is maintained as a whole, its structure does not get damaged and, as such, no shrinkage or tissue distortion.
• The specimen features can be retained for an extended period: The process does not destroy the specimen color or size, making it possible to maintain its structure for a life-like period.
• The specimen posing appears natural and realistic: This is because the skin is not removed as the specimen is preserved. This is unlike in the conventional taxidermy methods where the specimen skin is extracted and preserved with chemicals. It is then placed on an artificial body and posing the specimen. In this case, the skin is likely to shrink, and there will be stitches making it appear more artificial than natural.
• It retains the specimen’s nutritional value better than other preserving methods, which increases consumers’ desire for nutrition.
• It retains the specimen’s color and shape, reassuring the consumers that they are getting the real animal.
• The risk of animal shrinking is significantly reduced.
• It offers life-long animal preservation with no risk of Aquatic animals cracking over time.
• Eliminate the possibility of bacteria growing inside the animal, which can destroy it from the inside.

 

What Types of Animals Are Suitable for Freeze Drying Taxidermy?

Grieving for your pet is something that some people may not comprehend. But it is normal to take things personally as the loss of your beloved pet can leave a dip hole in your heart. To most people, pets are part of their family, making the process of parting even harder.

But did you know there is a freeze-dry pet preservation method that can allow you to spend more time with your pet without having to bury it? Freeze drying taxidermy can provide you a better solution for your situation.

Can I freeze dry taxidermy, my horse? No. It is not possible to preserve your horse through this process as it only involves small animals. Below are some of the animals that are appropriate for cat taxidermy and dog taxidermy.

• Small dogs
• Birds
• Cats
• Fish
• Small mammals: like squirrels, and rabbits
• Game heads: Such as boar, chamois, and deer
• Small reptiles

The above are just examples of what can be preserved through this method. However, any other animal with a smaller body mass can undergo a freeze-drying taxidermy process.

 

What Will They Look Like After Taxidermy?

They will just the way you want them to. Usually, you will be asked to send a picture of the posture you want them to be. Our skilled technicians will work closely with you to provide a natural and realist appearance. A real look will make the pet appear as if it were still alive, which is consoling.

How Long Do Freeze-Dried Pets Last?

Are you wondering how long your freeze-dried cat or freeze-dried dog will last? If you follow the instructions to the letter, the pet can last a lifetime. All is needed is regular cleaning to ensure that dust does not gather around or get stained.

How do I care for my pet after preservation is complete?

• Now that your animal is ready to go home, you can take some care processes to maintain its quality.
• Keep your pet away from water or high humidity place. Moisture can facilitate the development of molds on your pet. If water incidentally spills quickly, dry it with a towel.
• When cleaning, use a clean and dry towel to avoid leaving residual that can diminish its natural fur sheen. It is recommended to apply a spraying light mist at least once a month.
• Avoid changing your pets’ extremities’ position such as ears, forearms, and head as it can result in permanent damage.
• When brushing your pet’s hair, use a soft brush. What if the hair is tangled? In this case, use your fingers to untangle it. If you use a stiff brush or excessive force while brushing, fur may come out.
• You can also fluff your pet’s fur with a hair drier set at no heat.
• Avoid placing your pet in a place with direct sunlight. Direct sun can fade your animal fur over time.

 

Preserve Your Pet Today

You do not have to say goodbye to your pet yet. Using animal and pet taxidermy can be a great way to preserve your loved one. Various steps are involved in the freeze-drying taxidermy process. Through this process of pet taxidermy, you can preserve your pet for a life-long time. To learn more about how to properly preserve your pet for years to come, contact Animal Family Pet Preservation today.

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