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The University of Southampton
Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton

Dinosaurs Invade Southampton

Published: 12 June 2015

Prehistoric creatures are set to invade Southampton this week as part of Dino Encounter, a major new event starting at SeaCity Museum in Southampton this Saturday (June 13).

Dino Encounter, which runs from 13 June to 27 September, offers visitors the opportunity to celebrate the ‘golden age of paleontology’, where more dinosaurs have been named in the last 20 years than in the previous century.

Working collaboratively with palaeontologists from Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton, Dino Encounter tells the story of how cutting-edge science is increasing our knowledge of dinosaurs and their close relatives, challenging some of this generation’s long-held beliefs.

Through Dr Gareth Dyke, the Vertebrate Palaeontology Research Group offered scientific fact and knowledge to ensure the exhibit was as close to the real thing as possible. PhD student James Hansford worked with SeaCity to produce the exhibit, which highlights the University’s research into marine reptiles, biomechanics and extinction dynamics.

Professor Rachel Mills, Head of Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SeaCity and bringing dinosaurs to life in Southampton this summer. Our world-class palaeontology research has been providing new insights into dinosaur behaviour and the evolution of dinosaurs into birds. The Vertebrate Palaeontology Group from Ocean and Earth Science has used this research to support SeaCity in creating this unique and exciting exhibit featuring dinosaurs and pterosaurs from the Cretaceous Era.”

Southampton Vertebrate Palaeontology Group

Visitors will have the chance to discover a wonderful array of specimens, from giant sea monsters from the frozen land of Svalbard in the Arctic Circle to the mysterious elephant bird of Madagascar, and get up close four life-size animatronic dinosaurs from the Natural History Museum.

Featuring many interactive events such as an opportunity to touch and feel a giant T-Rex skull replica and taking on some dinosaur hunting in a dino lab and dino dig pit, there is something to both learn and enjoy for everyone. 

Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Southampton City Council, said: “I am extremely excited to welcome Dino Encounter to Southampton this summer. From the University of Southampton’s world-leading research to the life-sized interactive dinosaurs, this exhibition provides something for everyone and makes the SeaCity museum a must-visit venue! A truly engaging, informative and fun experience in the heart of the city – don’t miss out.”

Dino Encounter is part of DINOFEST2015, a year of exciting dinosaur exhibits and events in Hampshire’s top museums and arts venues.

To find out more, pre-book tickets and download a map visit http://www.dinofest2015.co.uk/or call SeaCity Museum on 023 8083 4536.

Listen to James Hansford from Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton and Councillor Satvir Kaur talk about the exhibition on BBC Radio Solent.

The truth about dinosaurs: fact from fossils...more cutting-edge science from our researchers at Ocean and Earth Science

MRes Vertebrate Palaeontology at Southampton

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