The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s anatomy collection brings together specimens from around 40 species, all obtained from animals that died naturally, helping students reinforce theoretical knowledge through real anatomical examples.

A collection established within the Department of Anatomy at the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine displays skeletons and anatomical specimens prepared from animals that died naturally.

Built up over approximately 20 years, the collection contains nearly 150 skeletons representing around 40 different species and provides veterinary students with the opportunity to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through real anatomical examples.

Developed with contributions from academics and students at the OMU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the collection includes specimens from horses, cattle, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, roe deer, various bird species, and fish.

The materials allow students to examine anatomical structures closely and connect concepts taught in the classroom with tangible examples.

“Our vision became a reality in the new building”

Prof. Dr. Burcu Onuk, a faculty member in the Department of Anatomy at the OMU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said work to establish the exhibition area began after the Faculty moved into its new building in 2024.

With support from the University administration, the collection was prepared for display within approximately one year.

“Our aim in creating this exhibition area was to bring together a wide variety of animal species, present their anatomical structures to our students, and help reinforce the knowledge we teach theoretically,” Onuk said.

“When we moved into our new building in 2024, we began working to realize this vision with the support of our Rector, Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, and other members of the University administration. Within a year, we were able to prepare all of our materials for display and open the exhibition area you see today.”

Collection also attracts school groups

Onuk said the exhibition attracted considerable interest after opening and was subsequently made accessible to primary, middle, and high school students.

“We receive groups of visitors at different times, and they have the opportunity to explore our exhibition,” she said.

During preparation of the collection, the team produced anatomical materials representing different bird and fish species as well as even-toed and odd-toed ungulates.

“We display specimens from many different animals, including horses, cattle, sheep, cats, goats, dogs, and roe deer,” Onuk said.

She emphasized that no animals were harmed for scientific or educational purposes in creating the collection.

“Because our work has scientific and educational objectives, no living animal was harmed during the preparation of these materials,” she said. “Our collection was created entirely from specimens obtained from animals that died naturally.”

Onuk also thanked all donors who contributed to the development of the exhibition.

“It was not an easy collection to build”

Onuk emphasized that assembling such an extensive collection had required considerable time and patience.

“Collecting these specimens was certainly not easy,” she said. “Only materials obtained from animals that died naturally were collected, and these were subsequently prepared for exhibition.”

“What you see here is the result of 20 years of accumulated work.”

Students also highlighted the educational value of the collection, saying that examining real anatomical specimens helps them better understand and reinforce subjects covered in their courses.

They noted that seeing animal skeletal and anatomical structures at close range makes the learning process easier and added that students themselves had also contributed to the development of the exhibition area.