South Dakota's Legislature has passed a bill aimed at addressing the fate of over 150 taxidermy animals from Sioux Falls' arsenic-contaminated menagerie. The animals, including a lion, tiger, polar bear, and gorilla, were part of a display at the Delbridge Museum within the state's largest zoo. Following the detection of arsenic in nearly 80% of the specimens in August, the museum was closed, sparking a debate among the community and taxidermy experts.
While some experts argue that the arsenic risk is exaggerated, Sioux Falls officials have expressed concerns about the cost of precautions needed to display the specimens safely. The prime location of the exhibit near the zoo's entrance adds complexity, as officials consider plans for an aquarium and butterfly conservatory in the area.
The situation is further complicated by state and federal laws governing the handling of the mounts. Federal law prohibits the sale of mounts protected under the Endangered Species Act, while state law requires such exhibits to remain within the state.
The new legislation, awaiting Governor Kristi Noem's approval, would allow the city to donate the collection to an out-of-state nonprofit, addressing the state law restriction. The bill, set to take effect on July 1, aims to prevent the loss of the collection by enabling its donation to a reputable museum outside South Dakota.
While no decision has been made regarding the collection's future, a city working group is evaluating various options before making a recommendation to the city council and mayor in the coming months. The evaluation of the mounts' condition and restoration costs, for which the city paid $55,000, will inform the decision-making process.
The shift in approach began in September when Mayor Paul TenHaken initiated a 'strategic pause' and formed a working group to explore alternatives for the taxidermy. Destroying the collection, particularly specimens of endangered species, is seen as a moral tragedy due to their irreplaceable nature and artistic value.
