The pliosaur skull discovered in Dorset which featured on a BBC documentary has earned Guinness World Records title.
The amazing pliosaur skull made famous by the documentary ‘Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster’ went on display In January at The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, in Kimmeridge.
It has now been recognized by the Guinness World Records (GWR) as the title of the most complete Pliosaurus skull in the world.
READ: 150 million year old sea monster skull on display at museum
The unique specimen has been calculated to be approximately 95 percent complete by surface area and provides previously unobservable details of the macro-predatory pliosaurs and the Pliosaurus genus.
The 12 metre long marine reptile lived around 150 million years ago in the Jurassic period.
After the initial discovery of the snout by friend of the museum, Philip Jacobs, almost 2 years ago, the skull was extracted from the cliffs in Kimmeridge in the summer of 2022 in a daring excavation.
The skull is now on permanent display at the museum on the Jurassic Coast, approximately 2 miles from where it was discovered.
Renowned palaeontologist Dr Steve Etches, MBE said: “This fossil has truly captured the public’s imagination since going on display at the museum.
"So, receiving the news that we have been awarded a GWR title in recognition of the fact that it is the most complete skull of its kind ever found is a really nice accolade to share as part of the ongoing story”
This world record is the latest chapter in the story of the pliosaur skull, affectionately referred to as the ‘Sea Rex’, with a lot more to come in the form of an excavation of the remaining body in the very near future.
READ: Etches Collection plans for pliosaur excavation work
The museum is currently trying to raise money to excavate the rest of this pliosaur, which will be one of the best opportunities for science to better understand this enigmatic animal.
The skull has attracted more than 17,500 visitors and donations will go towards the cost of planning, excavation, collection, preparation and preservation, scientific study, and education.
The online crowdfunder can be found here: Rescue the Sea Rex - Your chance to become a part of palaeontological history. - JustGiving
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here