Abstract: A method for preparing a naturally colored and flexible freeze dried animal specimen for study or display purposes, in which a lubricating agent is injected into the major joints and the specimen is wrapped in a moistened cheese cloth prior to freezing and drying. After freeze drying the specimen is soaked in an organic solvent to remove substantially all of the lipids from adipose tissue and bone marrow therein and then softened and manipulated to restore substantially natural movement thereto. A polymerizable silicone rubber may be rubbed into the dried and softened tissue to replace lost bulk and to seal the tissue against reabsorption of water, so that the dried specimen can be stored indefinitely in an open atmosphere.