Mammal Collection

The Museum maintains a research collection of over 3,000 mammal specimens, most of which are study skins and the accompanying skulls. The majority of these specimens were collected in the 1950’s and 60’s by Museum staff and by biology students from Southern Methodist University. This collection is particularly strong in the bats and rodents of the southwest. It is available by appointment to interested scientists.

The Museum also houses the Herb Klein Big Game Collection. Herb Klein was a Dallas oil man and world-renowned big game hunter. During his life, Klein donated a number of specimens to the Museum, ranging from trophy mounts of game animals to a collection of North American Owls. Upon his death, the bulk of Klein’s trophy collection, over 400 specimens, was donated to the Museum. This collection includes many fine examples of sheep, deer, antelope, and cats from around the world. Although many of these specimens were at one time on display in the Museum, they are now stored off-site and used primarily to augment special exhibits.