1193 days ago

Short arms long stay: Peter the T. rex to stay longer at museum

Melanie Earley Reporter from Central Leader

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.

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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3 hours ago

Auckland Harbour Bridge summer works

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is carrying out essential maintenance on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this December and January. The southbound clip-on lanes will be closed (24/7) from 26 December to 5 January for road resurfacing. Night-time lane restrictions will be in place throughout the summer for recoating work on the bridge. Traffic will still be able to travel in both directions at all times. Find out more

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4 days ago

Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.

We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?

Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.

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🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
  • 82.7% Same!
    82.7% Complete
  • 17.3% Would have liked to try something different
    17.3% Complete
335 votes