Lionhearted Farewell: Gotha Taxidermist Retires - Master taxidermist Peter Mildner retires after 48 years of bringing animals to life

Peter Mildner, a zoological taxidermist in Gotha, is retiring after nearly 48 years of dedicated work. His career began with a wildcat model he sculpted at just seven years old, sparking a lifelong passion. Over the decades, he has crafted over 500 animal mounts and models for the Friedenstein-Stiftung, leaving a lasting mark on the field.

Mildner's journey started with a childhood fascination for wildlife and art. His early talent led him to the Wismar School of Drawing, where he honed his skills. By 1978, he joined Gotha's natural history collections, creating detailed mounts, exhibition pieces, and lifelike models.

Among his most notable works are a 1:1 model of an extinct woolly mammoth and a life-sized woolly rhinoceros. He has also preserved rare species like the quagga and the Irish elk, ensuring their legacy endures. One of his toughest challenges was a three-metre-long southern elephant seal, prepared using skin sourced from Antarctica.

Mildner's attention to detail sets his work apart. He believes the face is the most crucial part of any mount, often using preserved animal eyes in jars to craft realistic glass eyes. Beyond large projects, he has also sculpted miniature animals from materials like wax and foil.

Throughout his career, he has mentored dozens of interns and organised advanced training programmes. Even after retirement, he plans to stay involved, supporting colleagues and leading workshops. His final project—a mounted lion named Bono—will soon be unveiled in Friedenstein Palace.

Taxidermy remains a niche profession with limited job openings. Yet, passionate graduates like those Mildner has trained often find ways to thrive, sometimes establishing their own practices.

Mildner's retirement marks the end of an era for Gotha's natural history collections. His contributions, from rare species preservation to mentoring new talent, have shaped the field. The lion Bono will stand as his last creation, a testament to nearly five decades of skill and dedication.