FOSSILS

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History announced the loan from the New York State Museum of a 13,000-year-old Columbian Mammoth fossil discovered in 1934 in Randolph, New York.
The fossilized 4-foot curved tusks and a life-size replica cast of the Randolph Mammoth skull with tusks will be part of the Institute’s FOSSILS! exhibit that will open January 22, 2011 at the Institute on Curtis Street in Jamestown.
"The Randolph Mammoth specimen is a treasure for teaching about the biology, evolution, and history of life in New York State. We’re excited about having it exhibited at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, near where the specimen was discovered over 75 years ago," said Dr. Robert S. Feranec, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the New York State Museum.
"In addition to the Randolph Mammoth, more than a dozen specimens for ‘FOSSILS!’ will be loaned by Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania, guaranteeing that it will be an exceptional exhibit of ancient life," Jim Berry, president of the Institute explained.
"Life-size casts of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops skulls, a fossilized nest of five dinosaur eggs, a giant Jurassic fish, Silurian sea scorpions and a giant Ice-Age beaver will be some of the outstanding specimens on display at RTPI from Mercyhurst," Berry added. Mercyhurst is home to the Sincak Collection of fossils, an extensive assemblage of exacting casts and actual specimens of famous fossils from around the world.
"The State Museum and Mercyhurst College are extending themselves to share their collection with Western New Yorkers and we’re grateful," Berry noted, explaining that Mercyhurst Paleontology Curator Scott McKenzie, along with students, will help install the exhibit and participate in programming and training.
Berry said that although the fossil specimens are loaned free of charge, the Institute is seeking financial sponsors to help with exhibition shipping, construction of special display cases, and educational materials.
[Taken from RTPI Press Release rtpi.org This is a big event for local nature enthusiast and I strongly suggest to everyone to take the time to visit this outstanding exhibit over at the Peterson Institute. ]

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