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Te Papa Blog

Discover stories from Te Papa’s experts, including curators, scientists, historians, collection managers, and educators.

 

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Hector’s dolphin

Dolphin skull safely nestled in a special carry-case

Sharing our dolphins with Riverton

Have you ever had to explain to customs at the airport what the odd-looking object is in your hand luggage? Head of Science Susan Waugh explains why she had a Hector’s dolphin skull in her carry-on.Read more

2019-08-28
By: Susan Waugh
On: 28 Aug 2019
In: Behind the scenes, Science

What (or which) was New Zealand’s first protected dolphin?

New Zealanders have had the privilege of enjoying the company of many dolphins that chose to interact with people or boats. Some became household names, including Pelorus Jack (1888-1912), Opo (1955-56), Horace (1978-79), Aihe (1987-93), Maui (1992-97) and Moko (2007-10). The close bond that people developed with these dolphins ledRead more

2016-07-07
By: Colin Miskelly
On: 7 Jul 2016
In: History, Science

Sir James Hector and the Kerguelen connection

The Kerguelen Islands are among the most remote islands on the planet, lying in the middle of the southern Indian Ocean about 7300 km west of New Zealand (or 17,000 km east if you prefer). Yet they have at least two unlikely connections with New Zealand – a plant andRead more

2016-03-04
By: Colin Miskelly
On: 4 Mar 2016
In: History, Science

Sir James Hector, Hector’s dolphin and Taniwhasaurus

Te Papa turned 150 years old on 8 December 2015. To celebrate 150 years since the opening of the Colonial Museum in Wellington, the exhibition ‘You Called Me What?! 150 years of scientific discovery at Te Papa’ will be open on Level 3 from late November 2015 until the endRead more

2015-11-27
By: Colin Miskelly
On: 27 Nov 2015
In: History, Science

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