December 19, 2023

A very large and rare dinosaur skull, which has already been seen by more than 400,000 people at the Berlin Natural History Museum in Germany, will now be permanently displayed in Denmark.

Soon, it will be possible to experience one of the best-preserved Triceratops skulls at the Museum of Evolution in Knuthenborg Safari Park on Lolland. The genuine dinosaur skull, known as "Amalie," has been on display at the Berlin Natural History Museum, one of the largest dinosaur museums in Europe, for the past year, attracting many curious visitors.

When the three-horned dinosaur Amalie moves permanently to the Museum of Evolution, it will be her second home since being discovered in the Lance Creek Formation in Wyoming, USA, in 2020.

"Amalie is one of Europe's most well-preserved Triceratops skulls and has her distinctive features with the three large horns on the huge neck frill. Considering that the skull has been hidden in the ground for 68 million years and exposed to the forces of nature, it is truly impressive that it is still so intact," says director Christoffer Knuth. He further explains:

"Amalie's skull has an impressive size of 1.5 by 2 meters, so I can understand why so many have been curious to see it while it was on display in Berlin. We are very much looking forward to adding it to our large collection of genuine dinosaur skeletons, where it will be a permanent part of the exhibition in the future."

The dinosaur skull is expected to attract German tourists

Although it will be a farewell to Germany for the large Triceratops skull for now, it might just be a 'see you later' for many Germans. Lars Ramme Nielsen, director of Tourism, Culture, and Experience Economy at Dansk Erhverv, points out that it could become a significant attraction for German tourism.

"Germany is one of the most important, if not the most important, markets for Danish tourism right now. Therefore, it is a gift that such an exciting dinosaur fossil with a German connection is now being displayed, which we can use to generate interest in choosing Denmark as a destination," he says and adds:

"Of all Danish destinations, Lolland-Falster is currently the most popular with German tourists, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Museum of Evolution helps the area maintain that position."

Triceratops Amalie can be seen at the Museum of Evolution when Knuthenborg Safari Park reopens on March 23, 2024. It will be permanently displayed alongside other rare prehistoric species such as Archaeopteryx, the predatory dinosaur Allosaurus, Torosaurus, and many other genuine skeletons.

About the Triceratops Amalie:

• The extremely well-preserved skull is 68-66 million years old and was found in the Lance Creek Formation in Wyoming, USA, in 2020.
• Triceratops, with its large neck frill and three horns, is one of the most well-known types of dinosaurs in the world. They could grow 8-9 meters long and weigh 6 tons.
• The skull "Amalie" measures 1.5 by 2 meters and makes up about one-third of the Triceratops's body.
• Triceratops were herbivores and lived during the Cretaceous period until dinosaurs were wiped out by an asteroid 66 million years ago.