THE EXHIBITS
Karoo Origins – the Fossil Centre is a remarkable palaeontological exhibition centre positioned in Graaff-Reinet, the Gem of the Karoo, which is internationally renowned for its rich history of prehistoric discoveries.
A feature of the centre is that all the fossils from the remarkable Rubidge Collection, comprising more than 850 fossil skulls, are displayed. A large dynamic diorama showcases life-size reconstructions of the prehistoric animals which once roamed the Karoo, giving visitors an appreciation of the size and diversity of early life in the Graaff-Reinet area.
Lootsberg Pass, 60 km north of Graaff-Reinet, preserves the best record in the world of the Permian extinction, the greatest extinction of all time. The extinction, caused by ongoing volcanic activity in Siberia 252 million years ago, resulted in global warming and a prolonged drought causing the extermination of 90% of species in a relatively short time, with only a few surviving to give rise to all living animals and plants.
An animated video shows the causes and effects of the Permian extinction and explores the causes of the current so-called 6th extinction as tens of thousands of species are currently going extinct annually. The video highlights what young citizens need to do to preserve the environment.
Karoo Origins is a living centre actively engaged in research on the fossils and rocks of the Karoo. Video footage demonstrates palaeontologists collecting and excavating fossils in the Karoo. Visitors are provided the opportunity to watch a technician exposing fossils from the surrounding rock, all part of the Centre’s research programme.
A visit to the centre is a trip back in time to when prehistoric animals roamed the earth.
