Project Plesiosaur

A fossil preparation lab and exhibit space

As you walk through the gallery, you can see a real fossil specimen undergoing cleaning and hear the story of its excavation. This display is possible thanks to a partnership between fossil collector and educator Kristopher Super and The El Quartelejo Museum. 

What are plesiosaurs? Plesiosaurs were large sea-dwelling reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era, specifically during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. They are known for their long necks and streamlined bodies giving them a unique appearance which has captivated people for centuries. Although plesiosaurs lived at the same time as dinosaurs, the two are not closely related.  

Elasmosaurs are a family of marine reptiles nested within a larger group Plesiosauria. The elasmosaurs had especially long and slender necks with more than 70 vertebrae! This enormous neck made up about half of their total body length. Elasmosaurs had small heads, long flippers, and a short, powerful tail. They were among the last-surviving and largest members of the order Plesiosauria when the group went extinct around 66 million years ago. 

In this exhibit you will learn about the anatomy, behavior, and environments in which these animals lived. You will discover how scientists study and interpret these ancient creatures, and how they have helped us to understand the ancient history of life on Earth. Plus, you’ll see how fossils are prepared for exhibit and further study

Kris Super beginning the painstaking process of coating the fossil in strips of burlap and plaster of paris, adding wood planks to provide support and prevent fractures, and to facilitate moving the fossil to the museum to undergo more work.