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The popular Te Papa exhibition Colossal Squid Ngu Tipua opens at the Taupō Museum on August 20 and runs through until October 20.
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 have found their way to Taupō Museum.
The colossal squid is so rarely seen that only eight adult colossal squid have ever been scientifically reported. Taupō Museum 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.
Taupō Museum exhibitions curator Piata Winitana-Murray believes locals will enjoy this unique opportunity
“We are excited to be able to work with Te Papa touring exhibition team to bring some of their specially-curated touring exhibitions to us here in Taupō,” she says.
“The Colossal Squid exhibition has toured around Aotearoa, and although we may not be a coastal district, that doesn’t mean we can’t bring legends from the Southern Ocean here to Taupō Moana. We know everyone of all ages will learn new and interesting things about this magnificent creature, including how it was captured from the icy waters in Antarctica.”
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 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.
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.”
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.
