At Brooklyn Taxidermy, we blend artistry with nature, offering a unique approach to preserving and showcasing the natural world. Founded by Amber Maykut, our studios are located in Sugar Loaf, NY and Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY.
Amber's formal journey into taxidermy began in 2012 when she trained at Anderson's Whitetail Taxidermy School near Rochester, NY, with guidance from Bill Anderson. There, she learned the art of deer mounting and continued her education studying under William Tinger in Highland Mills, NY, John Youngaitis of Cypress Hills Taxidermy in Queens, NY, and various other mentors.
She gained invaluable experience as an intern at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC, learning under Senior Preparator Tom Doncourt, and has prepared bird study skins for their Ornithology department. Her passion for the craft led her to study under Mark Van Leuven of Buckshot Taxidermy in New Jersey for many years, as well as in England under Simon Moore, Conservator of Natural Sciences for The Natural History Museum of London, The British Museum, The National Trust, and many other prestigious institutions in the UK.
Throughout her career, Amber has shared her expertise with esteemed organizations such as NPR, The Explorers Club, Teddy Roosevelt’s Birthplace National Historic Site, and the Morbid Anatomy Museum, as a speaker and instructor. She has also served as a board member for the Garden State Taxidermists’ Association of NJ (GSTA) and is a member of the National Taxidermists Association.
Brooklyn Taxidermy has been featured in prominent publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The New York Times, and more. Our clients include celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Neil Patrick Harris, and Courtney Love, as well as renowned bands like Slayer and Tool. We’ve also contributed to many popular TV shows and establishments, including Saturday Night Live, Portlandia, Wednesday, Ace Hotel, Eleven Madison Park, and NY State Parks Preserves.
We offer a range of services, including repairs, cleanings, rentals, commissions, and custom work. We're also proud to teach monthly taxidermy classes, sharing our passion with both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.
As ethical taxidermists, we adhere to strict ethical guidelines. No animals are killed for the sake of taxidermy. We work with animals from sustainable sources—such by-products of the meat industry, frozen feeder animals, and naturally deceased pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
For more insights into our practices and offerings, visit our detailed FAQ page or connect with us through our Contact Page. We look forward to sharing the fascinating world of taxidermy with you!