Dear Listers:

We are in the development and planning stages of a temporary exhibit that
will open in early 2003.  In general, the exhibit focuses on the westward
expansion of the US and will feature many artifacts related to this period
in US history.  The curator also wants to display a selction of life-size
(stuffed) animals commonly found on the Great Plains and in the Rocky
Mountains, including large mammals like grizzly bears, pronged horn
antalopes, buffalo, big horn sheep, as well as, a host of smaller animals
(badgers, prairie dogs, beavers, etc.).

Since we are a history museum and rarely deal with natural history
collections, I am wondering how to acquire these animals.  For previous
exhibits we have have purchased coyotes, rabbits and snakes from local
taxidermists, but the number and types of animals needed for this
exhibit cannot be obtained locally.

Is there is an institution that is deals in loans of stuffed animals to
museums?  If so, what is their address and phone number?  Or, do natural
history museums use donated and/or purchased specimans for their
exhibition?

Any guidence and information related to this topic will be greatly
appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Michael MacDonald
Assistant Registrar
Lyndon B. Johnson Library & Museum
2313 Red River St.
Austuin, TX   78705

(512) 916-5137 x-283
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