A giant squid and its story is on show in Central Otago for the next month; the specimen is part of a touring exhibition from Te Papa.

The exhibition is interactive and features specimens including: an actual lens from a colossal squid’s eye, a section of tentacle from these massive creatures, a complete tiny squid—the miniature version of its colossal relative and touchable rotating models of a squid’s tentacle hook and the colossal squid’s formidable beak.

Specimen jars are lit up for visitors to closely inspect the contents. PHOTO: The Central App

There have only ever been four complete giant squid discovered, it is said to be one of the ocean’s greatest mysteries. 

The first scientifically documented giant squid was in 1925 from remains found in a sperm whale’s stomach.

Puna Rangitahi youth worker Courtney La’ulu said the squid was part of the exciting youth week activities coming up in the third week of May.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery operations manager Paula Stephenson said she hoped the exhibition generated a lot of interest and she expected numbers through the door to pick up as the week went on.

Learn more about Te Papa’s collection of giant squid here.

Scientists with the colossal squid, 2008. PHOTO: Te Papa

An examination of one of Te Papa’s giant squid was webcast, viewed live by more than 800,000 people from over 180 countries, and can still be viewed on YouTube: Science Live: Colossal Squid.

Stay tuned for more information about Youth Week (May 17 - 23) coming soon. 

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