World’s largest ever dinosaur is coming to UK

Virgin Radio

29 Nov 2022, 08:36

The biggest dinosaur ever to walk the earth is on its way to The Natural History Museum in London next year. 

If you’ve ever visited the museum and marvelled at the size of Dippy the diplodocus, then you ain’t seen nothin’ yet, as the upcoming new addition is massive in comparison.

Known as Patagotitan mayorum, the 57 ton titanosaur would have been four times heavier than Dippy, and also measures a full 12 metres longer than Hope the blue whale, also on display at The Natural History Museum.

Back when it was alive, it would have moved its not inconsiderable frame over land that now forms modern Patagonia, in South America.

A cast of a full skeleton of the titanosaur will be on display at the South Kensington venue from 31st March next year. It is being provided to the Museum by the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio in Argentina.

Oh, and it’s so huge that it will only just fit inside the nine-metre-high Waterhouse gallery!

In a statement, Professor Paul Barrett, science lead for the exhibition, said: "Patagotitan mayorum is an incredible specimen that tells us more about giant titanosaurs than ever before.

"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, and show that within Earth's ecosystems, size really does matter."

Dr Alex Burch, director of public programmes at the museum, added: "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."

As well as wondering at the enormity of the prehistoric creature, and tracking the life of a titanosaur, visitors will also be able to handle other specimens and check out interactive pieces.

Advance tickets for the exhibit are available now. Last year, the Natural History Museum was the most-visited indoor attraction in the UK, and the arrival of this big old beast certainly won’t harm its visitor numbers!