Giraffe Sparks Buzz in Detroit: Turns Out, It’s a Real Taxidermy Project
A recent sighting in Metro Detroit – a giraffe in the bed of a pickup truck – has proven to be exactly what it seemed: a real animal, destined for a unique form of preservation.
The story began when a driver in Macomb County spotted the large creature being transported in a Ford pickup. The unusual sight quickly went viral online, prompting a flurry of concern and jokes regarding the animal’s presence.
Darren Wehner, owner of St. Clair Flats Taxidermy and a big game hunter with safari partnerships in South Africa, confirmed the giraffe’s authenticity and explained the circumstances to FOX 2.
“My job is to preserve them so you can appreciate them forever. Some people may find it strange or different, but to me, it’s art,” Wehner stated.
According to Wehner, the giraffe died of natural causes at a zoo due to old age. He was subsequently commissioned to preserve the animal for an unnamed museum.
“When we receive it, it’s no different than leather. It’s just leather with hair on it,” Wehner explained.
Wehner also shared details about his unique approach to wildlife preservation, including his promotion of “green hunts,” which use tranquilizer darts instead of bullets.
In addition to his work with large animals, Wehner also has a 9-month-old kangaroo named Atlas, who seems to be part of his family.
Wehner added, “We love animals. I know it’s a counter-intuitive argument. A lot of people don’t understand, but I promise you we love animals.”
This unusual situation highlights the often-misunderstood world of taxidermy and the lengths people go to in order to preserve a piece of beauty that has been lost. It also underscores the importance of context when encountering unusual sights, especially in the digital age.
