Where learning meets wonder: Inside CVASU’s Anatomy and Fisheries museums

How terrified would you be if, all of a sudden, you came face to face with the towering skeleton of a giraffe? Then, if you took a few steps to the left and found hundreds of fish preserved in bottles, would that baffle you? 

This astounding world of science and nature can be experienced in one place: the campus of Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) in Khulshi, Chattogram. Here, the Anatomy and Fisheries museums offer students hands-on learning opportunities and support advanced research, while also satisfying the curiosity of the general public.

Anatomy Museum: A realm of bones

Even before stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the towering skeleton of a giraffe at the entrance. This is no ordinary specimen; it carries a story. When the giraffe died at the Bangladesh National Zoo in 2019, its remains were later exhumed and preserved. It took nearly two years to reconstruct the animal's full form, resulting in what is recognised as Asia's first giraffe skeleton.

Step inside, and rows of skeletons unfold before your eyes, forming what feels like a silent city of biology — a city built of bones. From camels and elephants to tiny sparrows, the museum houses skeletons of around 60 different animals. Among them is a nearly 13-foot-long python skeleton.

The museum was established in 2013 under the Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project, funded by the World Bank and the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. It is the country's first Anatomy Museum, developed within the Department of Anatomy and Histology under the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at CVASU. Its primary aim is to allow students to learn directly from real specimens.

Beyond its skeletal displays, the museum also showcases animals preserved through taxidermy. Around 30 specimens are displayed in this way, including swans, langurs, goats, cats, monkeys, roosters, pigeons, woodpeckers, magpies, owls, kingfishers, rabbits, guinea pigs and lizards — each carefully maintained to reflect its natural form.

The craft and history of stuffing

The process of preserving dead animals while maintaining their natural appearance is known as stuffing or taxidermy. It begins with careful observation of the animal's measurements and structure. The skin is then separated from the body, thoroughly cleaned, and treated with salt and chemicals to prevent decay and bacterial growth.

Next, an artificial framework is created using materials such as PE foam, cotton, plaster of Paris or GI wire. The preserved skin is then fitted onto this structure, gradually restoring the animal's natural shape. Achieving accuracy in the face, eyes, fur and body proportions is the most delicate and challenging part of the process.

The history of stuffing is long. In ancient Egypt, animals and birds were preserved as mummies for religious reasons, though mummification differs from modern taxidermy. During the Middle Ages, astrologers and apothecaries preserved animals for various purposes. A French natural history book published in 1748 contains references to bird preservation techniques resembling stuffing.

By 1837, during the Victorian era, taxidermy had become a popular art form in Europe, and preserved animals had found a place in home décor. Today, the practice is primarily used in museums, research and education, helping people gain a more direct understanding of biodiversity.

Another highlight of the museum is its collection of plastinated organs. These include brains, eyes, hearts, kidneys and uteri from humans, cows, goats and rabbits, as well as human embryos. In addition, the museum houses around 500 organs preserved in formalin, approximately 2,000 bones, 75 animal models and nearly 3,000 microscopic slides.

Fisheries Museum: An aquatic world for fish-loving Bengalis

For those interested in aquatic diversity, the Fisheries Museum offers an equally fascinating experience. Located on the ground floor of the university's administrative building, the museum spans around 2,500 square feet and was established in 2017. It is the first fisheries museum at the university level in Bangladesh.

The collection includes fish gathered from rivers, wetlands and other water bodies across the country. Freshwater species have been sourced from the Karnaphuli River, the Halda River, Kaptai Lake, the haors (bowl-shaped wetlands) of Sylhet and canals in Pabna. Marine species have been collected from the coastal regions of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar.

In total, almost 325 species of fish are preserved here, including around 130 freshwater species and about 195 marine species.

Among them are rare and endangered fish such as kajoli, rani, gutum, khalisha, dhela, ritha, madhupabda, foli, baim and mahashol. Familiar species like rohu, catla, mrigel and hilsa are also part of the collection.

The marine section features more than 200 sea creatures, including starfish, devil rays, hammerhead sharks, seahorses and remoras. Beyond fish, the museum also preserves around 150 species of snails and shells, along with the skeletons of various aquatic animals.

Adding a historical dimension, the museum displays traditional fishing equipment, old nets, hooks, barbs, boats and other tools that have gradually disappeared over time.

Feeling curious yet? These two museums are not only for university students but are also open to general visitors and enthusiasts. Entry is allowed on all days except the weekly holidays — Friday and Saturday — and there is no admission fee.

The silent world of skeletons and the vibrant diversity of fish stand side by side here, telling two very different stories. For students, researchers and curious visitors alike, these museums at CVASU have become a unique destination for exploring science, nature and biodiversity up close.