Mammal Collections

Take a tour of our Mammals Collections with Bill Stanley and follow the path of various specimens as they go through the preparation process and into the Museum’s vaults. You'll discover the key role these specimens play in solving the ills of our society and keeping a pulse on the planet, as researchers around the world use our collections to unlock the mysteries of mammal evolution, answer questions about anatomy and behavior, prepare conservation plans for threatened species, and educate the public.

Check out the 2003 Expedition Archive, where you can read Dr. Stanley's dispatches, view amazing videos from the "bug cam" (beetles help clean the flesh from specimens), and explore an interactive map that allows you to follow the process of skinning, pickling, and registering mammal specimens step-by-step—a journey that may not be for the squeamish!