Sixteen Nine-Patch Blocks

 

In Sioux Falls there is a 45-acre zoological park. The Great Plains Zoo opened in 1963, and boasts a children's zoo, the penguin rookery, an aviary, a primate complex, and a 10-acre plains exhibit. In 1984, the Delbridge Museum of Natural History was added. Until last month, you could view more than 150 taxidermy animals there, including 38 from “vanishing species.” The animals had been collected from six continents and mounted in the mid-1900’s by a local businessman. Though the chemicals used to preserve animal skins before the 1980’s (arsenic is one) have long been known to be dangerous to humans, “do not touch” signs were always assumed to be enough protection. But as the specimens age, they’ve been releasing these chemicals into the air in dangerous quantities. The museum was closed in August, to protect employees and visitors alike. I can’t help but wonder how many other taxidermy displays should follow suit.