Preserving life after death: Master taxidermist revives vanishing wildlife
In the realm of taxidermy, death meets art, and the boundaries of mortality are pushed to create surreal masterpieces that defy the fleeting nature of life. PHOTOs: EXPRESS
In a quiet corner of Karachi, 65-year-old Irfan Ahmed has spent five decades breathing new life into the lifeless. Through the rare and intricate art of taxidermy, he transforms animals that have died naturally or in accidents into stunning, lifelike replicas — so vivid that viewers often mistake them for living creatures.
Deer, Sindh ibex, peacocks, crocodiles, turtles, foxes, and fishing cats, Irfan's creations are a testament to his unmatched skill and passion. His work is not merely about preserving skins — it's a scientific and artistic endeavor that can keep an animal intact for up to 35 years with proper care.
Speaking to Express News, Irfan shared that he never had a formal teacher. His journey began with a childhood fascination for nature, birds, and wildlife. Growing up in a Karachi teeming with sparrows and wild animals, he would spend hours observing birds build nests — a process that deeply inspired him. Over time, this love evolved into a lifelong commitment to taxidermy.
After serving for years in the Sindh Wildlife Department, Irfan retired but continues to practice his craft with the same zeal. His preserved animals now reside in the Sindh Wildlife Museum, private collections, and even the drawing rooms of wildlife enthusiasts.
The process involves 6-7 specialized chemicals, thermocol, cotton, steel wire, wood, and high-grade plastic for eyes. Small animals take days to perfect, while larger ones may require months. Irfan emphasizes that taxidermy is not just about stuffing — it's about recreating the animal's natural posture and expression.
He is now passing the torch to his son, hoping to keep the tradition alive. In earlier days, there was little awareness or access to resources, but Irfan believes the art can be modernized and preserved for future generations.
He recalls emotional moments when people brought their deceased pets — birds and other animals — to be preserved, wanting to keep a part of them close. "Taxidermy," he says, "is not just a skill. It's a way to keep emotions alive."