 The animals were restored between 1975 and 1977 by Bill and Caroline Von Stein of Cincinnati , Ohio . The Von Steins were experienced with other types of museum conservation work , but had never restored carousel animals . Because of the animals ' poor condition , no attempt was made to restore them to their original paintwork ; instead , the restorers were allowed to use their judgment on color choices and other decorations . The museum 's only requirements were that they use reasonably natural decorative schemes and no high @-@ gloss paint . 
