Jenni Risler - taxidermist

Ever been out on a limb? I have, literally, when I was left sitting in a large mangrove tree waiting for the six-metre tide to go out so I could collect marine specimens.

I'm a taxidermist at the Museum and Art Galley of the Northern Territory. My work involves preserving and preparing all kinds of animals and biological materials for scientific collections and educational displays. It's quite a challenge, because for the displays I have to present the animals in lifelike poses and show them interacting with other animals in their natural environment.

Taxidermy requires me to use artistic skills as well as the research and scientific skills I gained while studying for my science degree. I use a computer and many different power tools. I was originally introduced to taxidermy through a school work experience program, although at the time I had no idea I would actually work in the field.

Putting a wide variety of preserved animals on display allows the general public to see some animals that they would not be able to see otherwise because of the animalsí habits or environment. Most of our animals are donated by groups such as the Territory Wildlife Park, some are ëroadkillsí, and others are collected by scientists for their research.

I prepare animal skins for scientific reference collections, which are used by scientists and students who are investigating the morphology and distribution of particular animals.

During my time at the museum, I have also helped construct the skeleton of a 20-metre blue whale and flense a sperm whale that died on our beaches. The sperm whale will join the blue whale as another skeletal display once the bones have been processed.

If you're wondering whether science is for you, try spending time as a volunteer in a scientific institution or a consultancy firm.

"Science Futures" was produced by Wisenet with the aid of a grant from the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism Science and Technology Awareness Program.