This was technically my first "Taxidermy-ish" animatronic project. This griffin, named Auroran, Was created from a foam form purchased from a local taxidermy shop. I cut the form into position, then stretched a coyote skin over the back two thirds of the form then sewed it up. Pheasant feathers were used in the creation of his mane, and ringneck Pheasant wings for his... well... WINGS! His talons and head were hand sculpted by myself and two straps were inserted into his belly area for a backpack-like perching ability. I had also dissected one of my old remote controlled monster trucks and made my griffin have the ability to turn its neck and open/close its mouth electronically.
THIS REALLY FREAKED OUT MY FRIENDS!