goals.
The ACZ's got a lot of specimens that require processing before we can add them to the collection. Most of these are at volunteers homes, in their yards, garages, freezers. We're in discussion with the University of Alaska for a reserved space for processing animals. A reserved space with sheltered storage and an outdoor work area will help us to maintain a better inventory of specimens and to efficiently process a variety of animals.
volunteer.
If you are interested in participating please contact us and we can set up a time to meet with you and explain the process. We are also happy to work with grade school students working on biology projects that might like to help us out. |
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Our primary method is to use horse manure to remove the fur, feathers, and flesh from animal remains that are hunted or scavenged. A plastic container will have a layer of manure covering the bottom. Over this layer, the carcass is put on a sheet of window screen, which is folded over the animal to keep its elements together. The folded window screen is covered with another layer of manure and the lid sealed on the container. The specimen’s identification information is attached to the lid and the container is put on a shelf in a warm place (a garage for example) and left for several months. During this time, the enzymes from the manure digest the meat from the bones. Some animals process better than others but usually we just wash off the bones and leave them out to dry. Some need additional work.
