Moving the natural history collection of the Natural Museum of Ireland is anything but straightforward.
The Natural History Museum or Dead Zoo as it is sometimes known, has been closed for the past two years. Some of the exhibits are being moved across the city from Merrion Street to the new home of National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks. But just how do you go about moving a giraffe?
William Tracey of removals firm William Tracey & Sons explains the logistics of moving a giraffe that stands at four metres tall is no ordinary job. A walrus, a rhinoceros skeleton, and a hippopotamus skeleton are all moved to make a pathway for the giraffe.
Nigel Monaghan, Keeper of Natural History, says that most of the exhibits being moved have been on show for over a hundred years.
This is the first time that most of them have ever left the building since their original installation.
In total, around 500 items will make the journey to Collins Barracks. It is hoped that the Natural History section will reopen its doors to the public within the next year.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 April 2009. The reporter is Philip Bromwell.
