Big journey for new museum's latest exhibit

Dec 19 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

A LIFE-SIZE model of an African elephant yesterday made its way through Newcastle to the region’s flagship new museum.

Standing 3m high, 3.6m long and 1.7m wide, the model had to be lifted by a crane directly into the first floor of the Great North Museum in Newcastle, which is currently under construction.

It will form part of the Living Planet Gallery, which will also feature a ‘Bio-Wall’, housing hundreds of creatures and animals from around the world.

Steve McLean, project manager at the Great North Museum: Hancock, said: “Last week saw the arrival of the T Rex, which looks amazing in its new home. Now, with the arrival of the elephant, things are really starting to take shape.”

Visitors will be able to find out where animals live and how they survive in extreme places like the arctic and desert through the use of touch screen technology.