Kendal Museum holds an extensive and unique global taxidermy collection, featuring animals from every continent. Visitors respond to these displays in different ways: many admire the craftsmanship and the chance to see creatures from unfamiliar environments, while others have questions and concerns about how and why these animals were collected.

Because of this, we are reviewing how we present the World Wildlife Gallery. Our goal is to offer clearer background information and a more balanced, thoughtful interpretation. We want to help visitors understand the historical context of these specimens, including Victorian collecting practices, while also engaging with today’s conversations around wildlife conservation, climate change, biodiversity, animal welfare, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

As custodians of a complex history, we believe it is important to share new perspectives as attitudes evolve. This project aims to connect our collection to current movements for justice, equity, and environmental responsibility. By reinterpreting the gallery, we hope to give our displays renewed relevance and support deeper understanding between our audiences, the objects, and the stories behind them.