A three-metre tall and five-metre long woolly mammoth has been constructed in the National Museum Cardiff. The mammoth which has been printed in 3D is a replica of mammoth bones spotted by a dog walker in September 1986 on a farm in Condover, Shropshire. After being recovered by a team of scientists and local volunteers it was worked out that the bones were between 14,000 and 14,500 years old making them the last recorded mammoths in Britain and some of the last recorded in Europe. 

 

It is the most complete woolly mammoth skeleton found in Britain, only missing the skull and the tail. The bones of at least 3 baby mammoths (3-6 years old) were found with the adult, but they would not have been a family group in life.  Adult males left the herd into which they were born and wandered alone or in small bachelor groups.  Adult females lived together in groups with their young.

 

Mared Maggs, Head of National Museum Cardiff site said: 

“We are thrilled to announce the arrival of this extraordinary creature to the Main Hall of National Museum Cardiff, a display that promises to breathe new life into this iconic space. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience the sheer magnitude of the Woolly Mammoth, igniting both wonder and curiosity as they delve into the fascinating world of these magnificent beings. 

 

“Our new arrival will elevate the experience for both new and returning visitors and I’m overjoyed to finally reach the moment where we can unveil this incredible piece of history. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and share the captivating story behind this prehistoric giant.”

 

Dr Caroline Buttler, Head of Collection Development and palaeontologist said: 

 “This wonderful new addition to our National Museum Cardiff family will give all museum visitors an opportunity to get up close and see the exact size of this amazing pre-historic animal, and understand the world that he lived in 14,000 years ago. It’s great to have used modern technology, 3D scanning and printing to recreate this extinct Woolly Mammoth skeleton.” 

 

Later on this year Amgueddfa Cymru will also be looking for visitors’ help to give the mammoth a name with further details to be announced on our Social Media pages and at the museum in the summer.