Ethics Policy

Are your specimens ethically sourced?
Ethically sourced means something different to everyone. Here at Doctor Oddity, we consider ethically sourced specimens to be those that are bred and raised in captivity. We source all our insect specimens (except for bees) from farms across the world, we do not catch wild specimens for the purpose of creating art. All bees used have died a natural death and have been foraged from nature.

The reality of insect preserving and collecting is that it is not without loss of life. It is near impossible to obtain A1 butterflies/insects that have been allowed to live out their full, natural lives. 

What is a butterfly farm and how do they assist in butterfly conservation?
All our insect specimens are sourced from farms around the world which play an active role in conservation and sustainability. Some species of butterflies are at risk of extinction due to loss of natural habitat and predators; butterfly farming has provided a way of maintaining these species. Some butterflies are released back into their natural environment to help maintain the natural population of these butterflies. Adult butterflies are euthanised and sold to collectors, natural history museums and educational institutions so that people can continue to learn about and appreciate these butterflies.  

Do you sell CITES listed species?
No, we do not sell CITES listed species.

Why don’t you sell bats?
Genuinely ethically sourced bats are almost impossible to acquire as bats do not breed well in captivity. Bats are readily available on websites such as AliExpress and Etsy, and sellers will often claim their bats are ethically sourced, but the sad reality is these bats are captured from the wild and killed for the purpose of art.

What about bones? 
Any bones used in frames, domes or other artwork available at Doctor Oddity are 100% ethically sourced and have been purchased from creators/taxidermists that prepare these specimens themselves. All of the bones are foraged and from deceased non-native wildlife. 

Doctor Oddity does not sell bones from animals such as mink, foxes, snakes and others. A large number of these specimens available to purchase online are a by-product of fur factories. Animals in fur farms are kept in tiny, filthy cages and inhumanely slaughtered for their fur. A quick google search will show you how truly horrific these farms are. Their remains are then sold on as a by-product and by purchasing these specimens, you are inadvertently supporting these fur farms. Rule of thumb is if a specimen is available to purchase in large quantities, it is likely farmed.