India’s first taxidermy museum at Sanjay Gandhi National Park set to open in 2-3 weeks

At the taxidermy centre two tigers, three leopards, two lions and other small mammals and birds will be displayed in thematic dioramas depicting natural history

The country's first taxidermy centre museum will be thrown open for the public at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in the next two to three weeks. The centre will have trophies of big cats and other species to educate visitors. A cat orientation centre will also come up at SGNP around the same time.

SGNP Field Director and Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) G Mallikarjun said, "The work on the taxidermy centre and cat orientation centre is nearing completion and final touches are being given after which we expect to open the same for the public in two to three weeks. The newly developed taxidermy centre has an ample amount of space along with a viewing gallery where the exhibits, that have been prepared, will be kept for display. The taxidermy trophies on display will include lion, tiger, leopard and other wild animals and birds."

At the taxidermy centre two tigers, three leopards, two lions and other small mammals and birds will be displayed in thematic dioramas depicting natural history. The tourists coming to SGNP can also visit the cat orientation centre, where they will be able to get information about the small and big wildcats.

"The cat orientation centre at Sanjay Gandhi National Park will comprise fibre-glass models and information about small and big cat's found in the wild. The aim behind this was to educate tourists and create awareness," added Mallikarjun. SGNP's taxidermy centre was set up in 2009.

Taxidermy is the art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals (especially vertebrates) for display (as hunting trophies) or other sources of study. Taxidermy can be done on all vertebrate species of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.