Taxidermy: Technology of Preservation

On our Thursday trip to the Michigan State Museum we were instructed to browse around and look for a past technology to report on. After a quick look-see around the first floor I viewed numerous paintings and reports. Some stories were on slavery, others on the pioneers and still others on the origins of Michigan Agricultural College. What caught my eye however, was something that did not have a plastic plaque describing its history. What caught my eye was the 10-foot Grizzly Bear that was standing perfectly upright in the entrance.
Taxidermy I thought, there is an art. Not only an art but also a technology that has been employed for many years. A process that continues to become redefined in its manner, but ultimately stable in its outcome. I figured what a great topic to explore and delve deeper into, to have a greater grasp on.
As I researched further into this topic I was interested to find the process included freezing the deceased animal. Freezing the carcass is the first step, usually done in a large freezer. The taxidermist then removes the skin and creates a mold from the remaining carcass. The resulting cast then has the skin and fur reattached to create the appearance of a still frame of the animal. After this process is completely the eyes and teeth are replaced with synthetics.
To me this sounds like a fairly easy process that can be executed with a good amount of ease. However I am not ignorant, and realize this process is quite difficult and not for the faint of heart. Either way, it remains a job that must be done and one that is taken for granted. If it were not for these wonderful and talented people, how could anyone view the beautiful displays that litter museums across the globe? Thank you taxidermists, a real American hero.