Submitted by Mike on 9/23/99. ( mikevan@nr.infi.net ) 208.142.85.5
I am an air conditioning engineer trying to assist a museum with a problem.
They have a large polar bear and tiger that have been on display for approximately
fifteen years. These animals fur has become very brittle. What I am trying to
learn is if there is a recommended optimum temperature and relative humidity for
these displays to remedy or at least halt this process. Any help is greatly
appreciated. Thank you.
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This response submitted by John C on 9/23/99. ( ) 204.180.103.20
DIXIELAND TAXIDERMY SUPPLY has some great new fur dressing. It really softens and finishes old fur nicely.
Go to Rittells and call Bruce he is the tanning guru here. john C
This response submitted by Bruce Rittel on 9/23/99. ( rittel@ici.net ) 207.180.0.8
What you are referring to - if it is the fur or guard hairs of these animals that are becoming brittle, they should be treated to provide more flexability. This is very typical, especially of Polar Bear. The guard hairs snap off. However the age of these mounts is a handicap! Obviously they will respond poorly to soaking so I would recommend using a Hair Conditioner as a first try - I like "Tail and Mane" Conditioner! Suds it up, wash it in, and gently rinse it out. On the Tiger, if its still a problem - experiment using a liquid lanolin (human) hair wig spray. It may add some flex to the hair. OR IS IT THE SKINS OF THESE MOUNTS THAT IS BRITTLE? Then its a different story. More than likely they have become weak with age due to the acids in the skin drawing moisture from the air and the acid is slowly destroying it! It cant be reversed! It can be slowed somewhat by displaying them in a moisture and temperature controlled environment, much like a museum would. If this is true then probably a Humidity of 10% or less, and a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenhiet or lower, would be ideal - but difficult to maintain. If you still need more help with this - E-Mail me by clicking onto my address above.
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