When a Polar Bear needs a Pedicure

Read Melissa Milgrom's article "When a Polar Bear Needs a Pedicure" published in the Science section of The New York Times back in 2002.  Milgrom explores the Schwendeman's Taxidermy Studio in Milltown, established in 1921 and now in its third generation of Schwendemans.  The family philosophy is one of respect and intuition: ''You have to have a respect and intuition for the animal to bring out its best qualities.'' Taxidermy isn't just upholstery or model-making. ''Being a taxidermist is very idiosyncratic,'' Bruce Schwendeman said. But the desire to recreate life continues to occupy the human imagination. ''Morticians have it easy,'' he went on. ''Their patients only have to last a week. Sculptors can make a mistake and remelt it. We only have one shot. These are unique individuals and we cannot replace them.''

Read the whole article here +