Colossal Squid:Freaky Features

Colossal Squid: Freaky Features comes to Cobblestones, Greytown

Sponsored by WBS this exhibition is included in the standard venue admission fee. Check here for details

The Colossal Squid is so rarely seen that only eight adult colossal squid have ever been scientifically reported. Now Cobblestones in co-operation with Te Papa, is set to reveal some of the fascinating science and wonderful secrets of one of New Zealand’s most significant natural history specimens.

Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua centres around an interactive table displaying many different objects including the lens from an eye of the Colossal Squid, part of a tentacle, and a complete tiny squid; the miniature of its colossal relative. Touchable rotating models of a squid’s tentacle hook and the Colossal Squid’s beak are also on display.

The exhibition also displays two documentaries which show life in the depths of the Southern Ocean, and how the most complete Colossal Squid ever found ended up at Te Papa.

The public can continue the experience and learn beyond the exhibition with a new Te Papa press book for children, Whiti: Colossal Squid of the Deep, and online Te Papa resources including a free downloadable Colossal Squid Activity Book.

Te Papa’s Head of Natural History, Phil Edgar said, “in learning about this weird and mysterious creature we hope visitors will have a greater appreciation for life in the deep sea, much of which remains undiscovered.”

The Colossal Squid is one of the most iconic specimens at Te Papa, and while touring the complete specimen is impossible, some of the important parts of the squid has found its way to Cobblestones.

Te Papa’s Curator of Invertebrates Dr Rodrigo Salvador explains how important the Colossal Squid has been for the science community, and how popular it has been among the public.

“Te Papa’s Colossal Squid has been a major source of information for scientists and the museum’s most popular exhibit since its debut. They live in the deep Antarctic waters and despite being one of the largest invertebrate species in existence, they are very rarely captured”.

Thanks to the support of  WBS and Te Papa, Cobblestones is delighted to be bringing  this exhibition to Wairarapa  during the summer holidays. It’s a must-see exhibition  for the young and young at heart to learn about this fascinating creature, its world, and habitat.”

Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua is developed and toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

For further information please contact:

Cobblestones Museum – 063049687 or cobblestonesmuseumgreytown@gmail.com

Spaceward Bound and Star Safari is bringing the Mars Blueberry Planetarium to Cobblestones 24-27 January from 10:30 to 3pm each day. Planetarium shows will be every 30 minutes from 10:30am. There will also be a VR experience and the chance to drive a model of Mars Rover.  Experience entry is included in standard venue admission fee.

For further information please contact:

Cobblestones Museum – 063049687 or cobblestonesmuseumgreytown@gmail.com