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Rehousing Museum Specimens

Zion National Park wildlife professionals refer to and study the museum collection to improve resource management of birds and wildlife in the park. Other researchers can also conduct research on the collection with an approved research permit. All specimens that result from research conducted in the park, in compliance with the permit, belong to the National Park Service. They have to be accessioned into the park museum collection together with associated field notes and reports after the initial research has been conducted.

In 2019, Zion museum staff worked with a conservator to rehouse natural history bird specimens in museum quality containers to enhance safety and preservation. The specimens were first analyzed with an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) to detect the presence of heavy metal pesticides used in preparing legacy collections such as arsenic, lead, and mercury. The specimens were then sealed in airtight polypropylene bags to contain the toxins. Each container was label with the catalog number, collection information, and the results of the XRF test.

Measuring bird specimens
Measuring bird specimens
Measuring bird specimens
Preparing Rufous Humming specimen for rehousing
Placing specimen in polypropylene bag
Placing specimen in polypropylene bag
Northern Flicker specimens after rehousing
Rehoused specimens drawer