The museum has a large historic collection of dead animals. The specimens are all either antique or from natural deaths in zoos and natural collection. The collection includes lots of taxidermy, both natural and anthropomorphic – such as our famous squirrels playing cards, from the heads of African game animals to extensive entomological collections, including a display of every single British Butterfly and much from expeditions to New Guinea, The Congo & South America. The Osteological collection includes many 100s of skulls, from the smallest mouse to an elephant, articulated skeletons including a Giant Anteater, a Wholphin (cross between a dolphin and a whale), many birds and of course a dog. The marine collection includes many preserved fish and marine invertebrates – including specimens of the world’s largest crabs.
