My local zoo has 2 sick hybrid tigers-they look like bengals or striped, there going to have to put down. I was approached by the owners for a price to have them made into flat rugs( no head mounted). Or possibly trade me one for rugging the other. It has to be done in the next three weeks,(its hot) What precautions and tips should i be aware of, such as skinning, and the heat of summer if i tackle this. Also they weigh over 500lb apiece. And they have the right paperwork. Im also going to check with my USFWS about ligalities. Never skint a big cat -----give mr your thoughts.
Return to Lifesize Mammal Taxidermy Category Menu
how much and where are you located? Lets make it legal and I will see if I can help. email me goblue@mtc.net
I have mounted a over twenty big cats, ligers crossbreed etc. are legal nationwide. Skin a big cat using a hoist. Big Cat Book from WASCO is good for beginners.
But you MUST have documentation. The zoo Can Provide you with a possession Permit. even a transfer of ownership. Since putting the cat down has to be approved by their USDA inspector. However bear in mind that they may not cross state lines. In spite of the fact that they are hybrids. and of crosses that could never occur in nature. They are still governed by the same rules. Live cats can cross state lines if the seller, and buyer have the proper paperwork, and the transfer is pre approved by the USDA inspector.
Skinning a big Cat for a rug, is no different from doing a bear or Mountain Lion.
Order John Bulluci`s book "Art of the Big cat"....not only does it give you great information but it has tons of refrence photos...I personally skinned my lions and tigers by myself in the bed of my truck.(if doing it by yourself be sure and take some rope so you can tie his leg up while your working)..but trust me it would be nice to have at least one other person...you`ll want to do the ventral incision...simple make your incision down the center of the chest to just in front of the sex organs..then skin down the legs to the foot pad...cut around the foot pad so you can flip the pad open to one side...You and one other person can skin both cats in about 2 to 3 hours...If I was you I would skin both of them at the same time...no sense in getting all stinky again...lol..
Skin one side of the cat then flip him over and skin the other side...when or if you cut the tail bone at this point be aware that it`s going to bleed like a stuck pig when you cut through it...I pull the rear of the cat over the bed of my truck or flat bed trailer and then cut the tail off...wear nose plugs. he he he...cause they will stink like all get out! Old shoes too...gloves...I save the lower half of the foot for reference material for manikin prep...sure helps when doing the details in the feet...
www.travistaxidermy.net if you click on the lion on the home page you`ll be able to see how I skinned one of my lions...alot of sewing no doubt but with the ventral incision, and skinning down both legs will make it real easy to test fit your skin prior to mounting....have fun...