Taxidermy is the art of preserving an animal's body for display or study. It involves skinning the animal, preserving the hide, and mounting it over a sculpted form to recreate a lifelike appearance. At The Taxidermist, we combine craftsmanship and care to produce realistic, respectful results.

Once we receive your animal, we carefully skin and preserve the hide, then mount it over a hand-crafted form designed to match its natural shape. We use professional techniques to ensure durability and lifelike detail. The entire process takes time, but the end result is a lasting tribute.

We work on a wide range of animals including fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals — from deer and pigs to dogs and tropical fish. Whether it’s a trophy catch or a beloved pet, we can likely help. If you’re unsure, just ask us.

It depends on the source. We only work with legally acquired animals and encourage sustainable practices. Many of our clients bring in hunting trophies, roadkill, or pets that passed away naturally. We never work on protected species without the required permits.

Prices vary depending on the type, size, and condition of the animal, as well as the pose or display style you choose. Small birds or fish start from a few hundred dollars, while larger mammals or custom mounts can cost significantly more. Contact us for a tailored quote.

Yes — a deposit is essential to book your place in the queue and cover initial materials. The exact amount depends on the project, but it’s typically around 25–50% of the total cost.

Yes, we can arrange payment plans for larger jobs. A deposit is usually required to begin, with the remaining balance paid over time or upon completion. Just let us know your needs and we’ll work something out.

Several things: the species, size, pose, condition of the specimen, and any custom features you want (like habitat bases or open-mouth mounts). We’ll always give you a clear breakdown before we begin.

Turnaround time depends on the complexity of the mount and how busy the studio is. Most projects take between 3 to 12 months. We’ll give you an estimated completion time when you book, and we do our best to stick to it.

In some cases, yes — but it depends on the type of work and our current workload. Rush fees may apply. If you’re on a tight deadline, let us know upfront and we’ll see what’s possible.

Absolutely. We can provide updates at key stages — like when your specimen is prepped, mounted, or ready for collection. You're welcome to check in at any time for a progress report.

Quality taxidermy is a detailed, multi-stage process. It involves careful skinning, preservation, form building, mounting, drying, and finishing — all of which take time to do properly. We also often have a queue of other projects. Rushing it risks poor results, so we focus on doing it right the first time.

Yes, we accept specimens from across Australia. Just contact us first so we can guide you on how to package and ship it safely. In most cases, frozen freight or cold-pack couriers are the best option.

Local pickup and drop-off can be arranged within the Geelong area. For clients further away, we can assist with courier options for both receiving and returning your mount securely.

We’re based in Bannockburn, Victoria — just outside Geelong. Visits are by appointment only, so please contact us to schedule a drop-off or consultation.

If the specimen is fresh, freeze it as soon as possible in a sealed plastic bag to prevent damage or decay. For birds and smaller animals, avoid bending feathers or limbs. Label the package clearly and contact us before sending so we can ensure it arrives in good condition.

Only if the correct permits are in place. Many native species are protected by law, and handling them without authorisation is illegal. If you’ve found a native animal, contact your local wildlife authority first — we’re happy to help once you’ve got the green light.

It depends on the species and your location. For protected wildlife, you may need a wildlife possession or relocation permit. We can help guide you through the process if you're unsure — just ask before bringing anything in. You may need a wildlife possession or relocation permit get your wildlife permits in Victoria or official wildlife licensing

Yes — we’ve worked with various state wildlife departments and can assist with basic permit advice and paperwork. While we’re not a licensing body, we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.

In some cases, yes — but it depends on the species and state laws. Even deceased native animals may still be protected. Always check with your local wildlife authority before collecting or transporting found specimens. If it’s legal, we’re happy to discuss preservation options.