08/10/2024
When theres an Elephant in the room..
After 24 years its done .
First Lifesize African Bull Elephant tanned and mounted in Australia at South Pacific Taxidermy.
A Jumbo thank you to all involved, Hank Van Leewen, Ian " Buckey " Jones and close friend , the late Ben Carillo for the retrival and assistance in skin out., Steph Weeda, who will go down in Australian folklore as the only woman taxidermist in the world to shave an entire Bull Elephant on her own, Hendrik of HGI taxidermy South Africa for the knowledge and lifesize form for the mounting of these animals, Mr Make it Happen , Good friend Tony Psaila for the logistics of getting the form to Australia, Geoff Mantle in alterations, Johnnie Psaila in internal metal fabrications, Jim Fonz shaving, the mounting crew Mario Carnesi of Melbourne Taxidermy , Ashley Duggan , Peter Avraam, Marnie Bettenay and most of all , talented wingman Rudi Anton who has seen a lot of stitches and problem solving in mounting these major projects at South Pacific Taxidermy. Lastly, my darling wife Anna who has endured my late hours and anguish over "The Elephant" whilst mothering our new arrival Jackson. As they say , when it rains it pours.
Now to crate and move the mount to its final location before commencing detailing and coloration of this monumental "Made in Australia" project
