Taxidermy is about preservation: Meet Singapore’s first and only female taxidermist
What’s the most unusual job in Singapore? Did you know jobs such as taxidermy exists in Singapore? For Vivian Tham, working as a taxidermist isn't uncommon; it is a job she loves.
“Taxidermy has been a hobby and interest of mine from a young age. As a kid, my brother would catch insects from the jungle and bring them to me, he would tell me about the insects and I could see them up close and appreciate their beauty,” explains Ms Tham.
“This sparked something within me since young. I went on to draw wildlife as a hobby and eventually taking up a Bachelor of Zoology. I then furthered my studies with a Master's Degree, worked in the back-end of laboratories and museums and even as a conservationist for the WWF. These experiences allowed me to observe a large variety of specimens, which in turn grew my interest even further.”
Education and empathy
When Ms Tham eventually established Black Crow Taxidermy and Art (BCTA), she hoped to educate people about the world of taxidermy and help people deal with their grief. In addition, BCTA can help people with the restoration of older pieces. Still, the main focus is on pet preservation to help people eternalise their pets and flower bouquet preservation, which helps keep memories forever. BCTA also offers workshops if you're interested in learning how to create a butterfly or insect domes.
“When I established the business, I did not know what to expect – I started it with a mission to share the knowledge and educate others on the biodiversity around us – and it definitely sparked the interest of everyone who walked into the studio, from little kids as young as six to adults as old as 80,” explains Ms Tham.
“In addition, I wanted to give pet owners a sense of closure when they lose their loved ones. Taxidermy allows that, and it sparks joy when I see clients happy with the outcome. Since I've started, the public has been extremely supportive of what I do, there are only a handful of individuals of the older mindset that the dead should be left dead and as a female I should not venture into such things.”
“Generally, taxidermy in Europe and the States is seen as a luxury item, but a taboo topic in Asian countries. Hopefully overtime I can change that stigma,” Ms Tham says.
It is crucial to Ms Tham that people understand that "BCTA does not kill for any of our specimens and that all animals arrive dead" and that "BCTA strictly will not deal with any endangered animals as per the United Nations Conventions".
Concerning corporate social responsibility, BCTA holds "free educational talks and workshops for orphanages and people with special needs annually", explains Ms Tham. They also donate a portion of their profits to animal welfare groups. In addition, they are working on several other supportive relationships, including planting a tree for every dollar spent and reducing the company's in-house carbon footprint.
“This is our way of ensuring that the biodiversity and wildlife is always cared for and everyone is aware,” says Ms Tham.
Taxidermy is about preservation
For Ms Tham, taxidermy is not anti-environment or anti-animal; in fact, the skill is useful for helping preserve the natural world.
“The fact that I get to appreciate all the various animals out there up close is one of my favourite things [about taxidermy], bringing joy to others from my work and educating and sharing my knowledge are just a couple of other things I love about what I do,” she says.
“It is always a new experience every time a new pet or animal comes in – so it's always exciting, for example you get to see the beauties of various insects up close, the details found on animal skeletons, the soft fur of a hamster or the vibrant colours of birds' feathers, it is always something new.”
When it comes to being a female taxidermist, Ms Tham admits that the industry tends to be “male-dominated" and that "being the first female taxidermist in an Asian country like Singapore, can be quite daunting”.
“Nonetheless, I hope to inspire other women to carve out their own paths!”
Black Crow Taxidermy and Art is located at 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace, #01-10, Singapore.
For more information about its services, go to black-crow-taxidermy-arts.myshopify.com. To contact the team, call +65 8950 1432 or email via black-crow-taxidermy-arts.myshopify.com/contact. Follow BCTA on Instagram at @blackcrow_taxidermyand follow Vivian Tham on @viviantxy12
