A $200,000 refurbishment of the Murdoch Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Anatomy Museum will make it the biggest and most comprehensive museum of its kind in Australia.

“The refurbished museum is an ideal setting for the Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences’ world-renowned collection of veterinary anatomical specimens,” said the Executive Dean of the Division, Professor John Yovich.

“Specimens range from the meticulous dissections of muscle groups to plasticised organs and dissections and the preparation and display of skeletons, such as kangaroo, crocodile and cat.

“In addition to the new, refurbished museum, there is a large area specifically designated for the teaching of human and primate anatomy.

“A third, smaller area within the complex is also being provided for small group teaching of radiological anatomy.”

Murdoch Anatomy Associate Professor Ken Richardson said the museum had always been a teaching resource, primarily for students studying Veterinary Anatomy.

“However it also has strong influences from general biology, incorporating the skeletons of native rodents, marsupials, snakes and lizards,” he said.

“When the Division’s academic scope broadened to include Health Sciences, the need for display material also increased.

“Because of this, a major refurbishment of the museum was proposed and accepted as a worthy cause within the Division. Fortunately the Murdoch University Veterinary Trust was able to commit $100,000 to the endeavour.”

As the range of specimens has grown, so has the importance of the role of the Museum Preparator, Mr Richard Krumins, whose job it is to prepare the specimens for display.

Mr Krumins, who has been at the Murdoch University Veterinary School almost since its inception, said he loved his work, and particularly enjoyed showing Princess Anne around the Anatomy Museum on her visit last year.