Taxidermy has a rich history, evolving from its early beginnings to become a respected craft and science. Originating in the 16th century, early taxidermy was primarily used for scientific purposes, allowing naturalists to study animal species long after death. This was a crucial development period for biological sciences, as it enabled the preservation and classification of newly discovered species during the age of exploration.

By the 19th century, taxidermy had become an essential part of museum curation, with institutions seeking to showcase exotic animals to the public taxidermy animals for sale. During this time, taxidermists began to refine their techniques, moving from stuffing skins to creating anatomically correct models. Iconic taxidermists, such as Carl Akeley, made significant contributions by developing new methods that emphasized naturalistic poses.

The Victorian era saw taxidermy become popular in private collections, where it was used as a status symbol in aristocratic homes and curiosity cabinets. Meanwhile, in the late 20th century, there was a shift towards ethical considerations in taxidermy practices, ensuring animals were sourced responsibly and with respect to conservation laws.