An exhibition about the world's largest and critically endangered parrot is currently taking place at the City Museum in Gloucester.
There are only some 126 individual Kakapo parrots alive – surviving on small islands sanctuaries in New Zealand.
The exhibition contains a Kakapo specimen – on loan from the Horniman Museum in London.
And a highlight of the exhibition is a talk by Joanne Hatton the Keeper of Natural History at the Horniman Museum and the chance to view some rarely seen specimens kept in the 'reserve' collection of Gloucester's City Museum.
Her talk, Taxidermy, Traditions and Tales explores the role of the 'art' in Victorian Britain and the part it played in helping scientists to 'decode' the natural world.
Council Leader, Paul James, commented: " Our museums are becoming known for staging unusual events and exhibitions.
"This one is important because it sets out in stark contrast the very real danger of extinction that this species faces. It could well be that in the not too distant future the 'stuffed' version may be the only way this can be seen.
"But it also demonstrates as well the importance of taxidermy in preserving animals and birds so that scientists can still learn from them."
The exhibition runs until July 2nd.
The talk takes place on Thursday June 6th from 6.30 – 7.30pm.
Normal admission charges apply to enter the museum, tickets for the above talk are available through the museums website at www.gloucestermuseums.co.uk or by telephoning the Guildhall box office on (01452) 503050. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults, £4 for concessions (over 60s).