Natural history museums and science exhibitions use preserved animals, taxidermy, and occasionally live animals — with welfare implications for both animals and visitor understanding.
Natural history museum welfare considerations span historical and contemporary practices. Historical collections used methods now recognised as causing unnecessary suffering. Modern collection for scientific purposes uses regulated humane euthanasia and is justified by the scientific value — specimens document species distributions, pollution histories, and taxonomic changes irreplaceable by any other method. Live exhibits in science museums require the same welfare standards as zoos. The shift toward VR and digital alternatives for educational purposes reduces the need for live animals in educational contexts. Museums can demonstrate welfare leadership through their educational messaging about animals.