Grand Opening of the Western KS Fossil Lab - Featuring an Elasmosaur!

[KansasFossilHunter]

Hello all, here is a bit of personal news to share. Back in March of 2021 (on my 25th birthday) I discovered a remarkably complete skeleton of an elasmosaurid plesiosaur in the Smoky Hill Chalk member of western Kansas. These animals are especially rare in this formation and my discovery includes the second known skull found in the state. I have now partnered with a local museum to create a fossil prep lab and exhibit space as I uncover the specimen. The exhibit will be around all summer if you find yourself in the area, and the museum is free of charge. Feel free to reach out ahead of time and I would be happy to give you an in-person tour. 

 

Hopefully you can read the text of this article in the local Scott County newspaper. This has been an amazing ride so far and I look forward to sharing more as the project moves ahead!

 

 

[Fossildude19]

Congratulations, Kris!

[JohnJ]

Congratulations, Kris...but surely you can share a few additional photos with your TFF family.   

[FossilNerd]

Very cool. Congrats!

 

[jpc]

very cool.  Good work.

 

 

[JBkansas]

Sounds awesome, we'll try to make it out there.

[KansasFossilHunter]

On 5/8/2023 at 10:39 PM, JohnJ said:

but surely you can share a few additional photos with your TFF family

 

Alright, I've done enough work that I have something to share now! Here's a current view of the elasmo skull. I can post a scaled version of the skull later, and there is much more to the body as well.

 

 

 

 

 

[jpc]

Nice!  I am surprised that there are not more such fossils from KS.  

 

 

[Bobby Rico]

Fantastic Kris. Congratulations 

[Xiphactinus]

Congrats, Kris! An amazing find and preparation to match.

[KansasFossilHunter]

Here's a recent "before and after" comparison you may enjoy! There's still SO MUCH of the body that needs prep work. Years of work ahead of me.