PACHYDERM PROJECT |
|
Skulls Unlimited recently had the opportunity to clean and assemble a complete African elephant skeleton. This mammoth-sized project was completed for the Messiah College of Pennsylvania to be displayed in The Oakes Museum. Clark Griffith and Jay Villemarette Jr. were the technicians that took on the task of articulating the 9 foot 3 inch specimen. "We encountered problems with the weight and size of the bones. It's a lot larger than most of the skeletons we articulate." said Clark. "Despite these difficulties, I think it turned out awesome". This project was also a good opportunity for the Skulls Unlimited crew to get some practice. "Since we have our own elephant skeleton to articulate for the museum, this project was a great chance to map out the logistics and mechanics." said Joey Williams, Museum of Osteology Director of Education. The Museum of Osteology will begin articulating their elephant skeleton later this spring.
|
SKULLS UNLIMITED IN THE NEWS |
|
In March, CBS News featured the following story about Skulls Unlimited on their website;
Original Article Link
Money Bone
By Tim Devaney and Tom Stein
Friday, March 7 2008
Remember that saying? "Sticks and stones may break your bones but skulls can make you rich." No? That's because we just made it up -- after hearing about Skulls Unlimited International, where founder Jay Villemarette charges $6,500 for a human [skeleton]. Villemarette is the world's leading supplier of osteological specimens. He started in 1986, when he was laid off from his job at an auto body shop. A bone collector since the age of seven -- when he found a dog skull in the woods -- the newly unemployed Villemarette wondered if he could sell enough bones to support his family. Musta been rough on the kids: "What's your dad do?" "He sells bones." But 20 years later, Villemarette has a 12,000-square-foot "processing" facility in Oklahoma City. His employees do the rough work, removing the flesh, then they toss the bones in with a bunch of beetles. We'll let your imagination take it from there. Most bones come from hunters, taxidermists, zoos and museums. You can get all sorts of skeletons, from an armadillo ($495) to a zebra ($6,499). If you shoot something and you want Skulls Unlimited to clean it for you, Villemarette will do that too. He only asks that "when shipping specimens for processing, it is important that shipping instructions be followed, as all too often parcels arrive smelling badly or leaking fluids." Now you know why they call it "filthy rich."
|
MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY UPDATE |
|
In the past few months, there has been a great deal of progress toward completing the Museum of Osteology. The final construction phase is complete and the exhibit design and construction is now underway. "This is the moment we've been working toward for the past four years." says Skulls Unlimited owner, Jay Villemarette. This museum has been a life long dream of Jay's and he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. "The next big project is the articulation of the 40 foot humpback whale skeleton that will hang from the ceiling. We are holding off on putting down the flooring until that and the elephant skeletons are completed. We are going to fill up this museum with skeletons very quickly." Stay tuned for more updates.
| Click Any Image For Larger View |
|
|
|
|
|
T-SHIRT CONTEST WINNER |
|
This issue's winner is Natalia Hubisz. Natalia will receive a $50 Skulls Unlimited gift certificate. To enter the Skulls Unlimited T-shirt Contest simply send us a color photograph, or digital image showing you or someone you know wearing one of our T-shirts. Originality will count, so choose a pose in front of a well known landmark, at your job, exotic regions of the world, in the classroom or just lounging around. Each entry will receive a gift certificate for $9.95. We will choose a new winner each issue. To learn more about the t-shirt contest or to see previous entries, visit,
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/t-shirt_contest.html.
|
|
Click for larger image
Natalia Hubisz
|
SKULLS UNLIMITED‘S FEATURED EMPLOYEES |
|
Skulls Unlimited would like to take time to recognize three of our valued employees. Thanks to Dale, Amy and Joey for helping make Skulls Unlimited what it is today. To read about the whole Skulls Unlimited crew, go to; http://www.skullsunlimited.com/employees.htm
|
|
MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY CHALLENGE |
|
The Museum of Osteology Challenge is a chance for all of you skull enthusiasts to show off the size of your craniums. The Museum of Osteology, although not yet open to the public, houses a large collection of rare and unique skull specimens. Each issue, this newsletter will feature a new photograph of a specimen. The first three individuals that can correctly identify the pictured specimen will win one of our new Skulls Unlimited Est. in 1986 T-Shirts and have their names posted in the next newsletter. Winners will be the envy of all their skull collecting friends! This contest is open to all ages. Only one guess per individual, per issue will be accepted. Guesses must include the animal's common, genus and species names. (Example: Human, Homo sapiens) Entries lacking any of these will not be accepted.
We're sorry, this Mystery Skull Challenge has expired. For the current Mystery Skull Challenge, please see the current Skulls Unlimited Newsletter.
This issue's mystery skull measures 9 3/4 inches (24.8cm) long
Congratulations to Mike Jorgensen of Athens, Ohio, Trey Crumpton of Waco, Texas and Mike DeBrock of The Woodlands, Texas, for correctly identifying last issue's mystery skull as an Andean Condor, Vultur gryphus.
|
FEATURED ITEM |
|
Humans are perhaps the most complex species to ever exist. Their skulls reflect an enormous cranial vault, confessing their complex nature. Their large eye sockets, a tell tale sign of an organism whose survival is intimately tied to vision, are also a defining characteristic. Humans have the ability to recognize themselves as independent entities and, as well as one can tell, are the only animal that can contemplate their own demise. In recent years, human skulls have become increasingly difficult to obtain. Skulls Unlimited currently has a limited selection of human skulls in stock.
To Purchase any of these or one of our other Natural Bone Human Skulls, please visit; www.skullsunlimited.com/humanskullsnb.htm
|
NEW ITEM |
Click Image For A Larger View
Slow Loris Skull
Replica
|
|
Slow Loris Skull
Nycticebus coucang
The two species of slow loris, Nycticebus pygmaeus and Nycticebus coucang, are both native to southeast Asia. This nocturnal primate lives an arboreal life high above the forest floor.
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/slow_loris_skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
|
|
NEW ITEM |
|
Capybara Skull - Natural Bone
Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris
The capybara is the worlds largest rodent weighing up to 80kg (176 lbs.) This semi-aquatic species is native to South America where it occupies a variety of densely vegetated habitats.
| WSM-658 | Quality A: $449 Quality B: $349 |
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/capybara_skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
|
|
Click Image For A Larger View
Capybara Skull
Natural Bone
|
NEW ITEM |
Click Image For A Larger View
Six-banded Armadillo Skull
Natural Bone
|
|
Six-banded Armadillo Skull - Natural Bone
Euphractus sexcinctus
The six-banded armadillo inhabits grassland and savannah regions of South America east of the Andes mountains.
| WSM-383 | Quality A: $225.00 Quality B: $199.00 |
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at www.skullsunlimited.com/six-banded-armadillo.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
|
|
|
