For decades, natural history museums showcased dioramas filled with preserved animals, often without much thought about where those animals came from. Ethical sourcing was rarely questioned.
Today, museums and scientists are reconsidering these practices. In a digital age with many alternatives to study wildlife, sourcing and preservation now raise important discussions.
Yet Divya Anantharaman, who runs Gotham Taxidermy in New York City, believes that preserving animals still matters. For her, it honors the life of each creature and allows people to study them closely and meaningfully.
A Career Shift
Anantharaman began in fashion design but left the industry when she became uncomfortable with its reliance on animal exploitation for profit. Taxidermy offered a new way to connect with animals—by honoring them rather than consuming them.
Now, with more than a decade of experience, she works with museums, scientists, and private collectors. Her specialty lies in preserving birds and other wildlife while also teaching others the craft.
Where Art Meets Science
She sees taxidermy as a bridge between artistic expression and scientific study. Her workshop is quiet, modern, and, in her own words, smells “like a 12th-century monastery.” It is a place where creativity meets meticulous care.
Teaching and Sharing
Beyond her professional work, Anantharaman leads workshops, including a series at the Adirondack Experience in Blue Mountain Lake. She shares her knowledge with others, hoping to inspire a new generation of taxidermists who respect both the artistry and ethics of the field.
