29 Mosasaurus hoffmannii

3D Model

Mosasaurus, meaning ‘Meuse lizard’, is named after the European river where their fossils were first discovered. Along with much younger fossil mammals, mosasaurs led to Georges Cuvier’s revolutionary suggestions around 1808 of the concept of extinction.

This marine reptile, a top predator in its day, inhabited the seas 70–66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. This sculpture represents the biggest mosasaur, which grew to a huge 13-17 metres.

Positioned unrealistically pulling itself out of the water, this is the only deliberately incomplete sculpture in the collection, comprising just the head, neck, back and a single flipper. Perhaps the sculptor, Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, needed to cut costs?

The sharp teeth in the gaping mouth are accurately captured but today mosasaurs are understood to have been fully marine with shark-like tail fins, streamlined paddles and smooth skin formed of tiny scales – the lizard equivalent of toothed whales.

Model by HE Geospatial Survey Team ©Historic England