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Ethical Sourcing & Preservation
Respecting Nature Through Preservation
At Rain Oddities, respect for nature is at the heart of everything we create. Every specimen used in our artwork is ethically sourced through responsible, legal, and humane means. We do not support, encourage, or participate in the unnecessary harm, illegal hunting, poaching, trapping, or killing of animals for artistic purposes. Our work is rooted in preservation, education, and appreciation—not exploitation. Rain Oddities exists to honor nature's beauty by transforming what would otherwise be lost into meaningful works of art that celebrate the remarkable lives of the animals and specimens we preserve.
Where Our Specimens Come From
We carefully source specimens through a variety of ethical channels, including:
Naturally Deceased Wildlife
Many specimens are recovered after natural death or accidental loss, including wildlife found along roadways and other locations where animals have passed naturally.
Local Farms & Agricultural Partners
We work with trusted local farms and agricultural partners who provide naturally deceased animals that would otherwise go unused.
Reptile Rescues & Rehabilitation Organizations
Certain specimens originate from reptiles and other animals that have passed away while in rescue, rehabilitation, or educational care.
Licensed Breeders & Hobbyists
Some specimens are obtained through responsible breeders who ethically provide animals that have died naturally or from unavoidable circumstances.
Educational Sources & Private Collections
We occasionally acquire specimens from educational institutions, collectors, and preservationists seeking to ensure specimens continue to serve a meaningful purpose.
Trusted Preservation Opportunities
Rain Oddities works with ethical sources throughout New Mexico and across the United States to ensure specimens are obtained responsibly and legally.
Preservation With Purpose
Every specimen has a story.
Rather than allowing these animals to be discarded or forgotten, Rain Oddities seeks to preserve their beauty, uniqueness, and educational value through artistic craftsmanship and thoughtful presentation. Each creation is approached with care, patience, and respect for the life it once represented. We believe preservation can be a powerful way to foster appreciation for nature, wildlife, anatomy, ecology, and the delicate cycles that connect all living things.
Our Commitment To Ethical Practices
Rain Oddities is committed to:
• Ethical and legal sourcing practices
• Respectful treatment of all specimens
• Compliance with applicable wildlife regulations
• Transparency regarding specimen origins
• Environmental responsibility whenever possible
• Continued education regarding preservation techniques and wildlife laws
We reserve the right to decline any project, commission, or specimen that does not align with our ethical standards.
Natural Variations
Because every specimen is unique, natural variations should be expected. Differences in coloration, texture, size, feather patterns, bone structure, and overall appearance are a natural part of working with real specimens and contribute to the individuality of each piece. These variations are not defects—they are part of what makes every creation truly one of a kind.
Preservation As Remembrance
At Rain Oddities, our goal is not to focus on death.
Instead, we focus on transformation.
Through preservation and artistry, we strive to honor each specimen's life by creating works that inspire curiosity, education, reflection, and wonder. Every preserved specimen, botanical display, shadow box, and handcrafted creation serves as a reminder that beauty can continue long after life has ended.
Nature deserves respect, even after death.
Every piece we create reflects that belief.