Elephant taxidermy

[VertigoBE]

Seems from my perspective you shot it with a .22lr

Haha, when I was looking through the scope, my 416 Rigby felt quite like a .22LR, at 12 meters and surrounded by another 40 elephant.

 

[Green Chile]

I wonder what's inside the feet to preserve that...they are a real squishy material in real life, which is why an ele is so quiet when it wants to be.

 

[7mmFan]

I think it's fantastic! well done!

 

[BryceM]

FYI:

 

[Green Chile]

Right, it's all material below where the human heel would be in that photo...air on the human photo but not so in the ele foot. You've seen them walk...how the foot spreads out when weight is put on it.

"Elephants have what are known as “padded” or “cushioned” feet. Their feet consist of a thick layer of fatty tissue and connective tissue underneath the bones. This padding acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact on their feet when they walk or run." (from Londolozi blog online)

 

[VertigoBE]

Thank you @BryceM and @Green Chile, I did not know this about elephant feet.

On the frame is just the outer sole, attached to the canvas using “protruding bases” on which the soles are placed and to give them their form. There are no bones or additional tissue left inside.

 

[Sheldor]

Great idea.

 

[Altitude sickness]

A painting of the foot soles would be nice

 

[Green Chile]

A painting of the foot soles would be nice

I like this idea also. Has anyone done this?

 

[VertigoBE]

They look great! I have also seen Simpli Simbi do aluminum castings from the actual feet. They can then be serving trays, wall display, etc. Even elephants that can't be exported can be cast.

Do you have any example pictures of this? Or a website link? Thanks!

 

[K-man]

Do you have any example pictures of this? Or a website link? Thanks!

Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of the work. They have a booth at DSC every year but I can't find a web-site. The business is owned I believe by Buzz Charlton's wife. I hope that helps. Maybe someone who has a business card from them can get you a whatsapp #.