It’s been an exciting few weeks at Karoo Origins – The Fossil Centre, with discoveries, collaborations and inspiring encounters keeping our team and community buzzing with enthusiasm.
From fascinating fieldwork and international visitors to outreach events and media features, the spirit of discovery continues to thrive in the heart of the Karoo.
Karoo Origins Featured in go! South Africa’s 2025 Karoo Guide
We were delighted to kick off the month with some wonderful recognition – Karoo Origins – The Fossil Centre has been featured in the new go! South Africa Karoo Guide (2025). It’s an honour to share our story with adventurers and fossil enthusiasts eager to explore the timeless secrets buried beneath the Karoo’s rugged landscape.
Warm Welcome to Dr Viktor Radermacher
We are thrilled to welcome Dr Viktor Radermacher to the Karoo Origins team as our new Post-Doctoral Fellow. Fresh from completing his PhD on herbivorous dinosaur evolution at the University of Minnesota, Viktor brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our ongoing research into South Africa’s prehistoric past. Originally from George, he is excited to return to small-town life amid the breathtaking Karoo scenery. We can’t wait to see the incredible discoveries his work will bring to our fossil family!
Outreach and Discovery: U3A Knysna and Wits University Visits
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a lively group from Knysna’s University of the Third Age (U3A). Their visit was filled with curiosity and camaraderie – the essence of lifelong learning that defines the U3A spirit. Guests explored the fascinating world of Karoo fossils and the stories they tell about life millions of years ago.
Soon after, our centre was abuzz with young learners during the Wits School of Geosciences’ pop-up exhibition, “Will We Survive a Meteorite Impact?”.
Learners were captivated as they touched real meteorites, conducted hands-on physics experiments, and learned directly from Professor Roger Gibson about the mysteries of space and science.
Reaching for the Stars: Meteorite Lecture and Media Feature
Our fascination with space continued with a packed evening at the Graaff-Reinet Club, where Prof. Roger Gibson presented a riveting talk on the Nqweba Meteorite Fall of August 2024.
The event, hosted by Karoo Origins, brought together science enthusiasts of all ages to explore how this remarkable cosmic event was studied by local and international scientists, including NASA astronomers. The night was a resounding success – a reminder that sometimes, the universe comes to visit us right here in the Karoo!
Adding to the excitement, Dr Radermacher recently appeared on the kykNET programme “Ysters van die Platteland,” filmed by Homebrew Films. The segment showcases some of the Karoo’s most fascinating places, and we’re proud that our Fossil Centre was among them, highlighting the incredible research and education taking place in Graaff-Reinet.
In the Field: Unearthing Ancient Giants
Meanwhile, our dedicated field team has been hard at work on a three-week research expedition in the Prince Albert Road region. Their efforts have already led to the discovery of an Anteosaur fossil, a member of the Dinocephalian group that once roamed the ancient Karoo. Every find, painstakingly uncovered from the rock, adds another piece to the puzzle of life on Earth millions of years ago.
Hosting and Collaboration
The Fossil Centre also recently hosted the Healing Hooves RLM conference, an inspiring gathering perfectly suited to our space dedicated to connection and discovery. These collaborations continue to strengthen our role as both a scientific hub and a welcoming community venue in Graaff-Reinet.
From meteorites to mammal-like reptiles, from curious schoolchildren to lifelong learners, Karoo Origins – The Fossil Centre continues to connect people of all ages to the wonders of our ancient world.
Whether you’re a researcher, a traveller, or simply someone who loves a good story written in stone – pop in and walk back in time with us.
You never know what ancient wonder you might discover next…