I had a pet chinchilla a long time ago. It died 17 years ago and I had it skinned and tanned. It's still just as soft today as when it was alive. Don't ask me y I still have it cause I have no idea really. Can't bring myself to throw away something that feels so good against ur skin. They are so soft and silky its ridiculous! Now If I could only come up 50 more of these maybe my ol' lady could have a coat, lol. Then again, who needs a coat in Florida?! I woke up this morning and put on shorts and a T-shirt and went to work and it's Dec. already. It'll be 80 degrees here today. gotta love these Florida winters!