Wet Specimen Care: A Guide to Preserving the Beauty of Fluid Preserved “Taxidermy”
Have you ever been captivated by the mysterious allure of wet specimens, those preserved curiosities often found in jars filled with eerie liquids in museums and, for some reason, scary movies?
From bizarre marine creatures to intriguing anatomical specimens, these macabre treasures fascinate collectors and enthusiasts. Proper care is essential to preserve their beauty and longevity. In this guide, we'll explore wet specimen care to help you maintain your treasures. With the right care, a wet specimen can last for generations!
Understanding Wet Specimens
Before we embark on the journey of wet specimen care, it's crucial to understand what wet specimens are and how they are prepared. Wet specimens are typically preserved organisms or anatomical parts suspended in a liquid preservative. The preservation process prevents decomposition, allowing them to maintain their intriguing appearance. The most common method of preservation is formalin fixation.
Formalin is a chemical compound that consists of water and formaldehyde, which fixes tissue by changing cell structures in numerous processes. Specimens are thoroughly injected, then held in the chemical until hardened. Specimens are then leached of the formalin in water and transferred to 70% isopropyl alcohol. Formalin fixation should only be performed in a lab setting with proper personal protective equipment by someone who is knowledgeable of its material safety data due to it being a known carcinogen.
Preservation techniques vary from person to person, but a skilled collector should inquire about the creator's process at the time of purchasing to ensure that their specimens are properly preserved. There are many practices of fixation, such as using just plain isopropyl alcohol, that will only slow decay – not prevent it.
STORAGE
Most specimens ordered online will arrive without fluid as alcohol is considered a hazardous good by most shipping companies as well as the possibility of leakage in transit. Specimens purchased in person typically will be filled with alcohol, as a general rule of thumb we recommend that all new specimens be rinsed with distilled water, dried, and completely submerged in fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol.
If there is any sediment present in the container after rinsing, you may use dish soap to clean it more thoroughly. If you notice any imperfections on the specimen itself you may use a q-tip to clean it, but with properly sourced specimens minor blemishes may be present that are unable to be remedied.
Specimens should always be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment away from direct sunlight and open flames. Sunlight can damage your specimen, and alcohol is flammable. Extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided as well.
POSING
Formalin hardens cell walls as it fixes specimens, therefore your specimen should be pretty much stuck in the position that it was fixed in. However, minor adjustments can be made to their posing for aesthetics purposes. For assistance with this, you may use forceps, tweezers, or even a wooden/metal skewer to help set your specimen in its container. Clear fishing line may also be tied to your specimen to suspend them in a particular way.
MAINTENANCE
Periodically, you should examine your specimen collection for any signs of degradation, evaporation, discoloration, or leaks.
In the first year after preparation, it is normal for the holding fluid to discolor and/or sediment to appear due to leakage of internal fluids (lipids, blood, etc.) from injection sites. This can be remedied by rinsing the specimen with distilled water and replacing the fluid. Over time, leakage will stop as the specimen settles.
Alcohol will naturally evaporate over time. Though it is ideal for your specimen container to have a complete seal, that’s not always the case. When fluid drops below the top of your specimen, dump the remaining alcohol and completely replace.The fluid left behind is mostly water, and will not properly preserve your specimen if you just topped off continuously. To help slow evaporation, you can use silicone to help create a seal around the lid. Hot glue or wax sealing can also help but may make it more difficult to refill when needed.
Ethical Considerations
While collecting, it is important to note that “ethically sourced” means something different to everyone and is the subject of much debate in the taxidermy community. There is no true industry standard, leaving each individual to create their own.
At Haunted Attic, we prefer to use the term “sustainably sourced” for our specimens to convey that a conscious effort is made to minimize environmental impact and promote ecological sustainability. We give death a new life by honoring animals that would otherwise be discarded or tragically destroyed by the humans around them, instead of seeking them out intending to harm them like others. By working with breeders, collecting roadkill, and accepting generous donations, we have been able to develop a truly unique approach to taxidermy. Instead of letting these animals fade away into oblivion, we provide them with a lasting legacy through the art of preservation.
Occasionally, we will procure foreign specimens that have been farmed to feed families or for population control purposes from personally vetted sources to ensure that we do not play any part in the damaging of natural ecosystems. It is up to you as the collector to personally decide the ethical standards you will follow. By being mindful of our impact as collectors and creators alike, we can all do our part in helping ensure that all species will be enjoyed for generations to come.
CONCLUSION
The world of wet specimen collecting is a captivating one, filled with oddities that ignite the imagination. Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve the beauty and integrity of these curious curiosities. With the right tools, knowledge, and respect for these specimens, you can enjoy your collection for years to come while honoring all of the mysteries they hold.
