Dinosaur senior: Enormous skeleton will go on show at history museum

Dinosaur senior: Enormous skeleton of prehistoric beast larger than a blue whale and Dippy the diplodocus will go on show at history museum

• Titanosaurs were a group of gigantic long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs
• The giant dinosaurs were found on all continents 100million years ago 
• New exhibit will only just fit inside the enormous 30ft-high Waterhouse Gallery 

For those wondering how big the Natural History Museum’s new dinosaur is, the clue is in the name.

A titanosaur skeleton, the most complete giant dinosaur remains ever discovered, will be showcased next year. 

The exhibit is four times heavier than the museum’s famous Dippy the diplodocus, and 40ft longer than its blue whale, Hope.

Titanosaurs were a diverse group of gigantic long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs, found on all continents 100million years ago

Patagotitan mayorum, to give the titanosaur its Latin name, will only just fit inside the enormous 30ft-high Waterhouse Gallery. 

Museum fossil expert Professor Paul Barrett said: ‘Comparable in weight to more than nine African elephants, this star specimen will inspire visitors to care for some of the planet’s largest and most vulnerable creatures, which face similar challenges for survival.’ 

Titanosaurs were a diverse group of gigantic long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs, found on all continents 100million years ago.

The London museum’s patagotitan, uncovered in South America, was estimated to be 121ft long and weigh 65 tons. It has been loaned to the UK by Argentina.

A titanosaur skeleton, the most complete giant dinosaur remains ever discovered, will be showcased next year

The London museum’s patagotitan, uncovered in South America, was estimated to be 121ft long and weigh 65 tons. It has been loaned to the UK by Argentina

Dr Alex Burch, director of public programmes at the Museum says, ‘We are so excited that Patagotitan, the most complete giant dinosaur ever discovered, is making its European debut here at the Natural History Museum, the home of the dinosaur.

‘Our fascination with dinosaurs provides the ideal opportunity to inspire and inform the next generation about the natural world, and empower them to act for the planet.’

The cast of Patagotitan mayorum has been provided to the Museum by the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio (MEF), Argentina.

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