Ms Pimentel,
Could you please clarify whether you really mean embalmed (which means
a fluid preservative was injected through the animal's blood circulation
system) or whether you mean the mules were prepared as taxidermy
specimens?  Thank you.

John Simmons
Natural History Museum
University of Kansas

Cristina Pimentel wrote:

> Dear Museum-lers
>
> I'm consulting for a small (almost volunter run) museum where until very
> recently there were two embalm mules (don't know were they came from or who
> did the embalming). They were there for at least 8 years without having been
> subjected to any kind of conservation treatment. They were on display in an
> environment that was not (and is not) environmentaly controlled and although
> I am not a specialist in natural history museums I feared for the safety
> (infestation) of the other materials (wood carriages) which make for the
> museum's main collection and mission. I had them removed on the basis of the
> safety of the other pieces as well as on the basis of the safety (heatl) of
> our visitors (who insisted in touching the embalmed animals). Now I have to
> constantly listen to complains that the visitors miss the animals and that
> the museum lsot its charm.
> Could any of you (working in natural history museums) provide me with more
> technical information on how to display emebalm animals. I've acted on the
> basis of the code of conduct of museum professionals as this particular
> museum has show no capacity and know how to deal with embalm animals.
>
> Thanks
>
> C. Pimentel,
> Museum consultant
>
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