NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
September 6, 2007
Media Contact:
Pat Jensen
Exhibit Specialist
Portsmouth Museums
jensenp@portsmouthva.gov
757-393-5258, Ext. 16GIANTS: AFRICA’S ANSWER TO T-REX
Traveling exhibit opens at the Children’s Museum of Virginia Saturday and continues through Dec. 2PORTSMOUTH – Is there anything more exciting than a huge, ferocious dinosaur? We don’t think so! Join us as the Children’s Museum of Virginia presents “GIANTS: AFRICA’S ANSWER TO T-REX,” from Sept. 8 through Dec. 2.
The exhibit features Carcharodontosaurus saharicus (translation: shark-toothed reptile), which is a 90-million-year-old theropod discovered on an expedition by Paul Serento to Morocco in 1995. At 5-feet-4-inches long, the skull of this meat-eater is a bit longer than the largest known skull of Tyrannosaurus Rex, the massive 40-foot dinosaur from North America. Chasing its prey by running on its powerful hind limbs, balanced by a muscular tail, this beast could kill man-sized prey in a single bite.
The exhibit features a 5-foot replica skull, a display case with original fossil material, a 12-foot suspended dinosaur mobile, and a fleshed-out skull. Look into the eyes of this dinosaur and imagine being chased by one of the largest predators ever to walk the earth! The video theater tent features documentaries from the field. Guests can learn more about Sereno’s dramatic expeditions to the Sahara and what it took to make these exciting new dinosaur discoveries.
This interactive dinosaur experience was created by Project Exploration, a non-profit science education organization based in Chicago. The story of the expedition was told in the June 1996 edition of National Geographic magazine. As a National Geographic Explorer-in-residence, Sereno has discovered dinosaurs on five continents – including the world’s largest crocodile, the 40-foot-long Sarcosuchus, dubbed SuperCroc, and the 70-foot-long plant-eater, Jobaria.
A special fun-filled day will be held Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Activities include making dinosaur mobiles and rubbings, stenciling and color stamping. Plus learn cool facts about the dinosaur and his world at mini-lectures throughout the day. Dinosaur giveaways will add to the excitement. You won’t want to miss it!!
The Children's Museum of Virginia is located at 221 High St. in Olde Towne Portsmouth. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6 per person; children under 2 admitted free. Visit www.childrensmuseumva.com to learn more about the Children’s Museum of Virginia. Free parking offered in all city garages every weekend. Call 757-393-5258, Ext. 17, for additional information.