The recent discovery of arsenic in the taxidermy collection at South Dakota’s largest zoo has sparked a contentious debate regarding the fate of the mounted lion, tiger, polar bear, and gorilla that have long welcomed visitors.
This alarming finding has prompted discussions as to whether the more than 150 animals should be destroyed.
However, a group of locals who grew up around the menagerie, which was once housed in a hardware store, are vehemently opposing the mayor and zoo officials, advocating for the preservation of the collection.
Their efforts have extended to online activism and appeals to the Sioux Falls City Council. These individuals find solace in the opinions of experts who argue that the risk of arsenic exposure is exaggerated, asserting that the mounts are not mere stuffed animals, but rather, works of art.
John Janelli, a former president of the National Taxidermists Association, draws a parallel between destroying these pieces and scraping off the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, emphasizing their artistic and cultural value.
In light of the discussion on arsenic, it is essential to emphasize its classification as a heavy metal rather than a substance that can be easily dispersed through the air.
Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, possesses distinct properties that differentiate it from other chemical compounds.
Its high density and atomic weight contribute to its categorization as a heavy metal, indicating its tendency to exist in solid or semi-solid forms rather than as a gaseous substance.
This distinction is crucial in understanding the potential risks and modes of exposure associated with arsenic, as heavy metals typically require specific pathways for ingestion or absorption into the body.
By acknowledging this fundamental characteristic, we can better comprehend the mechanisms through which arsenic may pose threats to human health and implement appropriate preventive measures.
In the realm of preserving natural history collections, the importance of adhering to safety protocols cannot be overstated.
Fran Ritchie, the chair of the conservation committee of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, emphasizes the need for caution by advising against the act of licking taxidermy.
While this may seem like common sense, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved in handling these preserved specimens. Institutions with older collections, such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, have implemented safety measures to mitigate these risks.
This includes the use of specialized vacuums and the utilization of personal protective equipment during the cleaning process. However, the city of Sioux Falls takes an even more stringent stance when it comes to the safety of its residents.
City Attorney Dave Pfeifle adamantly states that there is no acceptable level of risk when dealing with a known carcinogen. With this perspective in mind, the mayor and zoo officials are determined to prioritize reason and safety.
However, they face a complex challenge in navigating the intricate web of federal and state laws if they wish to dispose of these taxidermy animals.
The Endangered Species Act, a federal law designed to protect animals, extends its reach even after their demise, ensuring that their collections cannot be sold.
Rather, they can be transferred to another museum in accordance with federal law. However, state law imposes a caveat, mandating that such exhibits must remain within the state.
This legal intricacy surrounding the fate of endangered species collections stands in stark contrast to the circumstances prevailing eight decades ago.
At that time, a Sioux Falls businessman by the name of Henry Brockhouse embarked upon a series of international hunting expeditions, chronicling his adventures in a book aptly titled “A True Safari Hunter: Henry Brockhouse.”
In one passage, Brockhouse vividly describes the process of hunting walruses, emphasizing the need to shoot as soon as one spots their heads emerging from the water, regardless of the distance.
Filled with pride, he exhibited some of his prized kills at his West Sioux Hardware store. However, as time progressed and international laws, along with the Endangered Species Act, began to tighten regulations, concerns grew over the potential extinction of exotic animals due to excessive hunting.
When Brockhouse passed away in 1978, his collection faced an uncertain future. Eventually, upon the closure of the hardware store, Brockhouse’s friend, C.J. Delbridge, acquired the collection and generously donated it to the city.
In 1984, the natural history museum, named after Delbridge, opened its doors, becoming the new home for Brockhouse’s fascinating array of specimens.
The collection was further enhanced with the addition of a mounted African elephant, posthumously prepared after Brockhouse’s demise. Furthermore, China contributed to the museum’s exhibits by donating a mounted giant panda.
In recent years, the mounted animals at the Great Plains Zoo have begun to show signs of aging, with some even exhibiting tears, according to CEO Becky Dewitz.
Concerned about the condition of these specimens, Dewitz’s team decided to have them tested. The results, which were obtained by The Associated Press, revealed that a staggering 79% of the tested animals had detectable levels of arsenic.
Among the contaminated mounts were a jungle cat and a monitor lizard. Despite the presence of arsenic, Jennifer Menken, the public collections manager at the Bell Museum of Natural History, assures that taxidermy can still be safely moved with the use of protective gear.
Menken cites her institution’s successful relocation of 10 historic taxidermy dioramas to the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus five years ago as evidence of this.
She also suggests that encasing taxidermy in glass can provide additional protection against temperature, humidity, and unwanted touching.
However, Dewitz explains that cost has been a significant barrier in implementing such measures in Sioux Falls. Consequently, the animals are currently hidden behind barricades as the city explores alternative options.
In recent years, the Great Plains Zoo has faced a concerning issue with their mounted animals, as CEO Becky Dewitz has observed signs of aging and tears among them.
Worried about the condition of these specimens, Dewitz’s team took the initiative to have them tested. The results, obtained by The Associated Press, were alarming, revealing that an astonishing 79% of the tested animals showed detectable levels of arsenic.
Among the contaminated mounts were a jungle cat and a monitor lizard. Despite the presence of arsenic, Jennifer Menken, the public collections manager at the Bell Museum of Natural History, assures that taxidermy can still be safely handled with the use of protective gear.
Menken supports her claim by mentioning her institution’s successful relocation of 10 historic taxidermy dioramas to the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus five years ago.
This achievement serves as evidence that taxidermy can be moved without compromising safety. Additionally, Menken suggests that encasing taxidermy in glass can provide further protection against temperature fluctuations, humidity, and unwanted touching.
However, Dewitz explains that the implementation of such measures in Sioux Falls has been hindered by cost, making it difficult to address the issue effectively.
Consequently, the animals are currently hidden behind barricades as the city explores alternative options to ensure their preservation.
The statement, “I am sick to my stomach,” expressed by the individual in question, conveys a deep sense of distress and unease.
The subject is perturbed by the current state of the specimens and desires them to be restored to their former glory.
Furthermore, she insists that these restored specimens be safeguarded behind a protective barrier of glass, akin to the manner in which her grandfather had preserved them.
This sentiment is reinforced by the 1981 donation agreement, which has been obtained by the Associated Press through a records request.
The agreement explicitly stipulates that the mounts, referring to the specimens, must be positioned behind a partition made of glass or any other suitable material.
This provision emphasizes the importance of preserving and showcasing these invaluable artifacts in a manner that ensures their longevity and integrity.
The mayor’s frustration and exasperation with the ongoing situation have reached their peak, prompting a stern response directed towards the City Council members who have opposed the closure.
In a display of strong disapproval, the mayor has openly criticized and reprimanded these council members for their resistance to the decision.
This public chastisement serves as a clear message from the mayor, conveying their dissatisfaction with the opposition and their determination to see the closure through.
The mayor’s firm stance reflects a sense of urgency and a belief in the necessity of the closure, implying that the matter at hand is of significant importance to the city and its residents.
By taking such a strong position, the mayor hopes to rally support and sway the opinions of those who may have been hesitant or skeptical about the closure.
The mayor’s words carry weight and authority, as they are the elected leader of the city, responsible for making decisions that will benefit the community as a whole.
With this forceful admonishment, the mayor aims to assert their leadership and ensure that the closure proceeds as planned, despite opposition from certain council members.
The mayor expressed his discontent, stating that he would much rather be engaged in various other projects than the current one at hand.
Meanwhile, a Facebook group dedicated to promoting the exhibit has amassed an impressive following of over 1,400 individuals. Jason Haack, the creator of this group, is also the proprietor of Abby Normal’s Museum of the Strange, a family-run establishment located south of Sioux Falls.
Haack, known for selling and showcasing an intriguing collection of “unique weird odd items,” revealed that three local business owners have offered a substantial sum of $170,000 to combat the closure of his museum.
However, his attorney believes that this endeavor will prove to be an arduous uphill battle. Haack expressed his concern, emphasizing that the repercussions of the museum’s closure could potentially create a ripple effect throughout the entire realm of natural history museums, leading people to question their safety.
Ultimately, the City Council holds the authority to make the final decision, and they are scheduled to receive a report and cast their votes during a pair of meetings in September.