Here are some frequently asked questions to some basics about Oracle - any further questions, please reach out to us;

- Where do you get all this stuff?
We source our specimens from a small handful of local farms, abatement programs, zoos, insect farms, and then process the specimens ourselves or by professional taxidermists.  It is our policy to carry natural science pieces that are ethically and sustainably acquired; most have died of natural causes, illness, or are from small farms. We do buy from trappers and hunters who are protecting their livestock and farms from predators and nuisance animals/invasive species. The idea is to not let anything go to waste, even if these were part of programs of invasive species that were harming local native species, they are still beautiful creatures that we want to honor in death.


- Where do you get your butterflies, moths and insects?
Our insects, butterflies, bats, and other specimens are picked from 'farms' from around the world. These farms, which are actually protected pieces of rain forest and not actually farm raised, create a source of income for native people and support tree and rainforest sustainability - in turn they supports the growth of other insects, plants, avian and animal life, as well as surrounding habitats. Our team then spreads, mounts, and frames our butterfly and insect specimens in shop. Look out for our classes where you can learn how to do this yourself! *We also want to add that at this time due to covid and continue endangering of habitat we are no longer selling bats - to learn more about this please read our blog! or follow bat conservation international to donate


- Why would you kill these animals?!
You may laugh, but we get this question A LOT. No, no we don't. We strive to acquire all our specimens ethically and sustainably. These are very heavy handed word in todays world, but for us that means specimens that have died naturally (mostly unfortunately due to old age, sickness, etc), but nothing was killed for the purpose of taxidermy or our craft. Our shop motto is to honor these animals as much as possible. See where we get our specimens above.


- Do you taxidermy the animals yourself?
At the present moment our team are licensed taxidermists, however we specialize in non-traditional taxidermy, so we do not have the studio space to accept deer or any sort of large animal. We instead specialize in pet memorials and skeletal articulation and have a team of experienced professional freeze-dried taxidermists that help put together our collection. We procure most of the items in the shop from start to scratch, with the exception of work hosted in our shop by fellow admired taxidermists; everything is ethically sourcing and thoughtfully honored. All skeleton articulations are artfully assembled in our shop by Alessandra and contact oracle.dzuba@gmail.com for further inquiries for pet memorials.


- I happen to have a (blank animal), would you buy it or taxidermy it?
Possibly! We prefer if you contact us first (by email) and make an appointment. We pride ourselves to know exactly how all our specimens have come from and why so we tend to say no to vintage pieces. AND (ESPECIALLY) “NO”, that bird that you found is NOT legal to taxidermy and under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 it is a federal crime to possess, even a feather. Also know your local laws; for example the state of Missouri, you do need a permit to pick up road kill. Here is a link by Lupa Greenwolf of State and Ferderal Animal Laws who has diligently broken down these laws by state most importantly easy to understand. These laws are important in the regulation of conservation, but above all, important to keep our fragile system protected. If you have possessed something legal, we still require you to contact your local wildlife officer before any further action.

- I found this bird, can I keep him?
The answer is NO. There are many laws we (that includes you) have to follow, even as taxidermists are restricted by federal law as to what is legal to work on. Most birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 - which makes it a federal crime to possess even just a feather. And before you ask, yes that includes owls, and most raptors. There are some birds that are legal because they are not native! That includes pigeons, starlings, house sparrows, and domesticated species or common pet store species, which are the only species you will see available at the shop.


- Can I rent pieces from your shop for my photo shoot/event/wedding?
Absolutely!  Rates for rental vary with each piece as our inventory changes frequently, so we recommend consulting with us first about your event. Please email us for quotes and for examples of interior design shoots we have done check out our catalogue! Also because we rent our pieces to photographers and collaborate with artists, we kindly ask that you not take professional photographs inside our shop. But do take pictures to share with friends and share our shop with folk you think would dig the shop - tag us @oraclekc


- Can I get a custom piece or get my pet preserved?
Absolutely! Get more information of Alessandra’s work here


- Are you witches?
YES. (No, we kid.) We do carry items used in spiritual and ceremonial practices, and love talking about the magic behind it all; however we believe that #scienceISmagic and that includes delving into the energy and mysteries of the nature with science. We pride ourselves to being a safe and open space to all and believe that it should be accessible to all… which abiding by those rules, means no gatekeeping, no restrictions, no religion, and open to skepticism and questions all in name of honoring nature.


- Where can we find you?
Not only can you find us at our studio in Kansas City, but you can also find our work at Ritualcravt (Denver, Colorado), StemCell Science Shop (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Offbeat Antiques and Oddities (Longview, WA), and skeletons for Tyler Thrasher.

Oracle Fine Curiosities was founded in 2013 by psychologist Carrie Parker and artist/illustrator Jane Almirall. Oracle, a natural science and oddities shop with an interest in divination tools, attracted a beautiful community of customers and clients who were interested in science, art, and metaphysical ephemera. Not long after opening it’s doors, Oracle entered a partnership with artist, Alessandra Dzuba, whose background in entomology and osteology became the literal backbone (*articulated spine) of the shop.

In November of 2017, Ms. Dzuba assumed sole ownership of Oracle - now Oracle Natural Science - and has continued to grow the community of natural science enthusiasts as well as spiritual growth seekers, healers and artists with her sustainable and thoughtfully curated space.

Carrie Parker has left to turned her focus on her intuitive counseling practice, Sacred Psyche, and has opened a beautiful space for her clients located in the Historic Tower East neighborhood at 901 East 31st St., KCMO 64109. Ms. Parker hosts events and workshops which explore a variety of divination modalities, all of which can be found on her site, www.yoursacredpsyche.com and on instagram.

Jane Almirall has returned to her first love, competitive hot dog eating. I kid! Ms. Almirall is creating an oracle divination deck, collaborating with fellow artists and creators, as well as teaching workshops and reading Tarot for clients. Her illustrations and drawings can be found at www.janealmirall.net, and on her instagram.