Mark and Steve are begining to move the squid into position and slide it into the lifting cradle (from the grave into the cradle?) assisted by some of Steve O’Shea’s students from AUT. We’ll trial the lifting equipment, but will not do the actual lift until after lunch.

The team moves the squid into the cradle, ready to move. - 3217 - © Copyright Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008
The Squid weighs about 495kgs so it’s not easily moved. They have to be very careful when moving it as even though the formalin has made it tougher, the flesh is easily ripped.
Anyone know what 495kgs are in pounds for our North American watchers?
Thank you, maybe I WILL make our second year invert class watch next week!!!
J
Hi Jean – welcome back! Yes we are recording the feed and hope to have it online next week. It will be available off the Te Papa website. http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/squid
Sorry, ’bout that Jean. There are definite advantges to being old and retired!
Tis exciting…….but I have to abandon my computer after lunch! 🙁 Please tell me you’ll be archiving the footage!!!!!!!!!
shame we can’t tune our invertebrate class into this but molluscs are next week, crustaceans this week!!!!
J
Oh well – first in first served when it comes to the competition! Not sure when it is going to be launched but we’ll make sure someone posts it on Tonmo
It is, but several Tonmoers call her that. I can’t claim credit.
Sharon – Is Messie your nickname for Mesonychoteuthis? I think the exhibition team is going to run a naming competition – we can’t just keep on calling her ‘our girl’ I reckon that should start off the competition!
Thanks Gavin, and Monty! And welcome back!
according to google
“495 kilograms = 1091.2882 pounds”
http://www.google.com/search?&q=convert%20495%20kg%20to%20pounds
I will definitely do that! Anyone who will spend hours watching a sometimes blank computer screen for a possible glimpse of messie is certifiably obsessed!
495 kilograms = 1 091.2882 pounds
is what you get if you type “495kg in lb” into google 🙂
(or you can multiply by 2.2 for a quick approximation…)
You’ll have to watch the documentary and it will all be in the right sequence!
Thanks for clarifying that, I was wondering about the plywood lid going on, then off, among other things.