Taxidermists gather in Malta to keep craft alive

Taxidermists have gathered in Malta for the fifth international competition this weekend as enthusiasts warn the centuries-old craft is slowly disappearing in Malta and struggling to attract a new generation.

This is the first time the Malta International Taxidermy Competition has attracted foreign participants. 

The competition, which is being judged by foreign judges as well, forms part of the Malta International Taxidermy and Outdoor Heritage Fair being held at The Renaissance at Montekristo. 

The president of the Malta Taxidermy Federation David Falzon said Maltese taxidermists are up to the same standards as international counterparts.

“We have Maltese taxidermists who take part in an international competition which takes place every two years. In the last few years, we have been quite successful, and now, according to the judges, we are on their level,” Falzon said.

The centrepiece of the fair is an extensive exhibition of taxidermised animals, featuring around 140 displays. The majority of the specimens are birds, though the exhibition also includes ducks, a raccoon and a small dog preserved mid-action while playing fetch, amongst others. The exhibition also features recreations of extinct animals.

Dog playing fetch forever in the exhibition Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

This year’s competition includes around 80 participants. While most are Maltese taxidermists, competitors have also travelled from Hungary, Sweden, Slovakia, England and Germany. Experts from Sweden and England are carrying out the judging.

Falzon, who is not himself a taxidermist despite serving as president of the federation, explained that membership in the Malta Taxidermy Federation is not limited to those who practise the craft. The organisation currently has around 250 members.

“To be in this organisation, you don’t need to be a taxidermist. You could be a collector, or you could just love the art of it,” said Falzon.

Falzon said the federation was pleased that a small new generation of hobbyists is emerging, adding that it was encouraging to see younger enthusiasts who could continue the work being done to keep the craft alive.

Various prize winning specimens Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

One of this new generation is eighteen-year-old taxidermist Miguel Buhagiar, who led a workshop demonstrating how taxidermy is carried out.

Speaking to Times of Malta, Buhagiar said he hopes more people begin to view taxidermy as an art form. 

He noted that fewer people are practising the craft and that many taxidermists are fairly older than him.

“The more time passes, whether it be hunting, taxidermy or the animals, the numbers have reduced. This form of art is disappearing.”

Buhagiar was among the youngest people present at the event, with most of the audience made up of older men. There was also a noticeable lack of women attending the fair on Friday morning.

John Chetcuti, secretary of the Malta Taxidermy Federation, said that to his knowledge, there are currently no female taxidermists locally.

While women were largely absent from the local event, he said the situation abroad is different. According to Chetcuti, international competitions often feature highly skilled female taxidermists.

Buhagiar said that increasing awareness of events like this could help more people understand the craft.

“When an animal dies you can put it back into its original form to keep for as long as you like.”

Chetcuti added that taxidermy can also have sustainability benefits, noting that different parts of the animal can be used rather than wasted. He said that, depending on the animal, the meat can also be used for food.

Part of a giraffe in the exhibition Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

The event was organised by the Malta Taxidermy Federation in collaboration with the Federazzjoni Kaċċaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti (FKNK) and MEP Alex Agius Saliba. The fair is supported by Visit Malta and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

Agius Saliba attended the event and said his appreciation for the craft comes from the passion shown by those who practise it.

“I always admired their passion. I am not a hunter or a trapper and these are not hobbies I practise, but I appreciate them. I always believed they were part of our identity.”

The MEP said that in a small country, people should respect each other’s hobbies, as long as they are carried out within the law and in an environmentally sustainable way.

The fair continues on Saturday until 9pm and on Sunday from 9am to 4pm, giving the public of all ages the opportunity to explore the exhibition, visit stands, try simulator games and learn more about the traditional craft.