Short arms long stay: Peter the T. rex to stay longer at museum
In April 2022 Auckland War Memorial Museum became the first ever Museum in the world to display Peter the T. rex.
The museum has now announced Peter will remain on display until the end of 2023.
Peter the T. rex stay was due to end September 2022, but as a result of the enthusiastic response from visitors the stay has been extended.
Twelve metres long, nearly four metres high and displayed in its hunting position, this is one of a small number of almost complete fossil Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in the world and the first real T. rex fossil ever to be exhibited in Aotearoa.
Dr David Gaimster, Chief Executive at Auckland Museum, says “We are delighted Peter the T. rex is extending his stay. He has been an extremely popular attraction. Visitation in the first two weeks of opening was the highest since records began. We also know that families have returned to see the T. rex over and over again.”
Peter the T. rex was recovered from the famous 'dinosaur playground’ of the Lance Formation in Eastern Wyoming. While a fully intact T. rex skeleton has never been found, Peter is one of the most complete examples to date, with a significant number of the largest bones preserved in pristine condition.
While most dinosaur skeletons are brown, mineral deposits on Peter’s bones create a rare obsidian black colour. Only four black T. rex have ever been discovered.
Peter is staying on until the end of 2023.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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