Has Anyone Ever Shipped a Full Mount Croc?

[Outdoorbound]

I have a croc sitting in SA, about a 13.5 footer. Their cost per foot over there to mount is way cheaper that prices in the US, but curious just how bad shipping would be? Has anyone ever shipped a full mount croc from SA to the US and if so, how scary was the shipping cost?

 

[Scooter1]

Bringing this back to the top of the chain. I am in the exact same situation with a 13.5 ft croc on its way to Splitting Image. Debating on taxidermy options. A wall mounted full body would be awesome. Any insight on recent shipping cost for a full body from S. Africa to the US would be very helpful.

 

[Datchew]

Watching. Croc is on the list in 2027. I've been admiring some of the metallic finished skull mounts in bronze I think. Will be interested to see other options.

 

[ryno111]

Ditto.

 

[major hunter]

I have a croc sitting in SA, about a 13.5 footer. Their cost per foot over there to mount is way cheaper that prices in the US, but curious just how bad shipping would be? Has anyone ever shipped a full mount croc from SA to the US and if so, how scary was the shipping cost?

That's going to be a very long and heavy crate. You'll save getting it mounted in SA but your shipping + crating costs will probably make it the same or maybe even more.

 

[Sabre]

Following for future reference.

 

[Outdoorbound]

Still hopeful someone has some first hand experience. Yes the crate will be big but having other critters in there to occupy the space may help to ease the cost. Wonder if anyone has shipped a giraffe, likely a similar sized crate.

 

[Ironhorse375]

I'm in the final stages of getting ready to have my 14ft croc shipped from SA. When i get details I'll pass them along.

 

[Outdoorbound]

I'm in the final stages of getting ready to have my 14ft croc shipped from SA. When i get details I'll pass them along.

That would be great, recent first hand experience is always the best! Thanks for your willingness to share.

 

[K-man]

When I took my croc I had it flat tanned. It was then just rolled up and included in my crate. When it got here I added loops and stretched it out on the wall. It turned out great. I know that’s not what you really asked but it worked for me. Let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

 

[BnC 04]

We did as half lifesize mount with habitat/base on a croc that was a shade over 13ft and had it shipped back. I think it's been about three years now since receiving.
The croc itself isn't overly heavy but the "homemade" rock replica weighs ALOT.
Id advise against a poured rosin rock made as a base in Africa. If you do want a rock style base ask first what exactly the base is made of. If I would had known (asked) there wouldn't have been a chance in hell I'd have done it.

 

[AZDAVE]

We had my wifes 12 ft croc mounted as a flat skin on a board base, so it could easily be mounted on the wall. it came in a large flat 14 ft by 6ft by 1 foot shipping crate. Can't really put a number on the shipping as it was in 2019 before covid and it came with 2 other crates that had 16 animals total. All I can add is that they will ship no problem and the crate will weigh more than the mount. With current rates my guess is you bite the bullet and just say ouch went the bill shows up.

 

[bobdahunter84]

Did anyone ever get a firm quote on getting a full mount crocodile shipped back to U.S.? Im pondering the same thing. I was thinking the length would be more cost prohibitive than the weight, but I guess don't know what a full mount weighs either.

 

[Rare Breed]

I have a croc sitting in SA, about a 13.5 footer. Their cost per foot over there to mount is way cheaper that prices in the US, but curious just how bad shipping would be? Has anyone ever shipped a full mount croc from SA to the US and if so, how scary was the shipping cost?

Great question and not to hyjack the threat but how about a full mount of a leopard

 

[Spearhead]

@Outdoorbound or any taxidermists reading.
Surely seems like someone would come up with a way to attach the tail, similar to elk/moose antlers.
It could be easily be hidden with pose position and habitat. Then that 14' crate is now 7'.
Just makes transportation sense. Just a sincere thought.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am all for doing some taxidermy in Africa with a reputable taxidermist. I would not personally mount anything this big and try to ship it. I will be interested to see what the cost is

 

[buck wild]

@Outdoorbound or any taxidermists reading.
Surely seems like someone would come up with a way to attach the tail, similar to elk/moose antlers.
It could be easily be hidden with pose position and habitat. Then that 14' crate is now 7'.
Just makes transportation sense. Just a sincere thought.

Maybe possible, but it would be very hard to hide the seam. The long hair can hide the transition of antler to the mount vs a scaley critter, but interesting thought and possible I assume.

I'm betting this is going to be one of those cases where it ends up being a higher cost to have it done in Africa versus dip and pack.

 

[mrpoindexter]

I suppose it might differ based on how it is shipped. I have mounts from 2 safaris in the process of being done and will likely get a couple more safaris done and have them all shipped out in one cargo container along with some furniture from there to fill out the space. Size and weight won't really matter much once it is in a 20' ocean cargo container.

 

[buck wild]

@mrpoindexter Not trying to be negative Nelly, but personally I’d never ship my taxidermy ocean freight in a container. The amount of time exposed to excessive heat, humidity etc could have devastating effects on the mounts. Being closed inside the container for 30+ days only magnifies the situation. Again to each their own and you didn’t ask for my opinion

 

[mrpoindexter]

Reefer container could eliminate the issues there and just set to 70’F. Heck, just an insulated container and ship when you can avoid the hot part of the year would do it. Adds some difficulty though.