Taxidermy of a Hippo into a Chair?

[SCJagter]

This question is posed to the taxidermists on the forum or to anyone with the knowledge that can help.

My wife detests the idea but, is also kinda intrigued by the vision.. maybe its the hyena butler mount sitting next to me that sets her off?

I have been wanting to shoot a hippo for a while now but don't want to yet because I have a kinda odd taxidermist request or at least I haven't seen one on the world wide web and never seen this in person so I don't even know if it is possible.

I want to turn my hippo into a Lazy-boy type recliner, making full use of the anatomy of the hippo. The head and backside to be utilized as the two arm sections(Yes i know quite big) and using the legs, well as legs.

I want the chair to almost appear that you are "snuggling up to the beast" if that makes sense. I want to retain the coloration of the natural look so no color in the tanning process. Is this possible?

It really needs to look like a real hippo but be a very functional chair. If the recliner doesn't work then maybe a love seat or plush chair? But I don't want to give up on the recliner just yet!

Also I assume it would be better to have the hide dipped and packed then sent to the US? but I don't want to assume anything.

Artistry of Wildlife maybe you have some ideas but I thought I would put it out there.

Is this possible? And any takers?

 

[harden]

There is no such thing as impossible, In my vocabulary. Sure it can be done wrapping the lazy boy itself with the Hippo. In my mind I see the front legs as the arm rests with the feet coming off the ends right in front of your arms when sitting and using the back feet on the front of the Lazy boy , would give you the impression that the hippo was sitting on it's hunches or butt, The side are his rear hips and side,the belly skin is what you sit on the back in the back. The head on top of the back closed mouth and your head would tuck under his chin all cushy and soft skin. I have an Amish friend that would help me with the sewing and construction, he makes high end custom furniture and all this would be commercially sewn and then wrapped around the chair. before the wrap and mounting we would make the arm rest look like front legs and sculpt the head to the back and make it secure. The head and feet would be like a mount and not soft but the arms side and sitting cushions of the chair would be. The toughest part would be color. most mounts of crocs have to be painted. So the chair could wear. Unless I can find and should be able to a tannery that get the grey we would need. It's possible but we are talking about a 5 figure invoice. IF you did this the hippo WOULD have to be skinned in a very unusual way , but an easy way the african skinners and ph would understand, I would draw you a diagram for this. Never seen one and I'd bet one has never been made before, but it could be done.

 

[ActionBob]

Sounds like time and money can solve the issues!

 

[CAustin]

I have every confidence that the Wildlife folks could do this.

 

[matt85]

sounds awesome! If you have this chair made we will be expecting pictures.

-matt

 

[harden]

Matt, I'd use people on A H to help with suggestions and post in production pictures to get more input, More minds and more interaction would make this better than even I see in my own mind right now. Maybe SCJager is interested but haven't seen a post yet about my response.

 

[enysse]

Great visions require great effort, I'm sure Dennis could make it happen.

 

[SCJagter]

There is no such thing as impossible, In my vocabulary. Sure it can be done wrapping the lazy boy itself with the Hippo. In my mind I see the front legs as the arm rests with the feet coming off the ends right in front of your arms when sitting and using the back feet on the front of the Lazy boy , would give you the impression that the hippo was sitting on it's hunches or butt, The side are his rear hips and side,the belly skin is what you sit on the back in the back. The head on top of the back closed mouth and your head would tuck under his chin all cushy and soft skin. I have an Amish friend that would help me with the sewing and construction, he makes high end custom furniture and all this would be commercially sewn and then wrapped around the chair. before the wrap and mounting we would make the arm rest look like front legs and sculpt the head to the back and make it secure. The head and feet would be like a mount and not soft but the arms side and sitting cushions of the chair would be. The toughest part would be color. most mounts of crocs have to be painted. So the chair could wear. Unless I can find and should be able to a tannery that get the grey we would need. It's possible but we are talking about a 5 figure invoice. IF you did this the hippo WOULD have to be skinned in a very unusual way , but an easy way the african skinners and ph would understand, I would draw you a diagram for this. Never seen one and I'd bet one has never been made before, but it could be done.

Sounds like we need to get to talking! And I got to start making some more money! But getting the discussion rolling starts to give life to the vision, I have a few ideas or how I would want the hippo to sit and it can evolve from there. This very well could be the first of its kind of chair, a very unique piece of furniture/art.
I will PM you.