I am interested in having my elephant hide tanned in Zimbabwe before it is shipped back. Does anyone have any experience with either of these companies, good or bad, in terms of general taxidermy work or specifically tanning hides like elephant or hippo? Thanks in advance.

i had one tanned in triangle. cost $10/sq.ft., i believe that that tannery is one taxidermy unlimited uses. they do good work, but the guy that did it for me used to manage the place. be careful with the new FWS regs. i'm not sure about import. they don't want products like a jacket or the like, but just a tanned hide with the right paperwork should be OK

I had Bromleys do some work for me two years ago. It was adequate, and reasonably priced. I wouldn't put it at the same standards as in the US, but on par with other African taxidermists. Overall there work was completed in a fairly timely manner (7 months, if I recall correctedly) and I was basically satisfied with the quality I received for the cost incurred. Not my highest of recommendations, but I would use them again for the right type of work.
Bill

Thanks.

Another name I got was Presitgue Leather in Bulawayo. Anyone heard of them?

Be careful if you are in any kind of hurry. I have been waiting on a shipment for ~ 18 months now. The work(Buff shoulder mount, croc rug and some other stuff) is said to have been completed about 30 days ago and is lined up for crating and shipping. They have been very good on returning emails but I reallly sense they are having a tough go of it due to in country conditions. Am checking on dip and ship export times now for my next trip. There seems to be a significant variation between the different operators.

had 5 shoulder mounts done by Matabeleland Taxidermy in Bulawayo 5 years ago and was pleased with the results. don't know if they are still in business, but worth an inquiry. owner is Don Reeves, email was mattaxidermy@telconet.co.zw. since all you are doing is tanning work, price is the main consideration i would think and they were quite a bit cheaper than Taxidermy Ent. in Bulawayo, plus the work looked good, was finished fairly quickly and the shipping they arranged went smoothly. good luck jerry

i'll second on matabeleland - don did a bunch of stuff for me and it was good. i think he's still in zim, but he had started a shop in RSA

I can say with great emphasis that Taxidermy Enterprises is absolutely the SLOWEST company I have ever dealt with. 18 months for shipping is standard.

Jeff

Is Prestique Leather in an older house in Bulawayo and makes breifcases,guncases and other elephant leather items? If they are the same they do excellant work and I saw some dyed Elephant leather in some very pretty colors. The leather was top quality. Don Reeves does very nice paintings on Elephant ears. The best I've seen. He has moved to So. Africa but I believe is still connected to the shop in Bulawayo. I like their work very much. He is a very nice guy and I have known him about 10 years.

speaking of painting ears, i had one tanned so i could get it painted here, taxidermy enterprises took it upon themselves to paint it there for 1500. told them to keep it and sent me the other ear

Mike make sure they do not cut it two thin..Also there is a brown color which looks real nice will post some pics later....


Mike

Mike,
Have used Taxidermy Enterprises to tan ele skin twice. Did so on the advice of my US taxidermist and was pleased with the results. Much cheaper than here in the US but it is a slow process, but then again, taxidermy usually is.