By Simon Nare
South Africans can now view the world’s oldest dinosaur embryo in a state-of-the-art centre in the Free State.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has launched the historic Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, describing it as the gateway to the country’s deep past and dynamic future.
“It is a joyous occasion for our county as we unveil this new exciting cultural and scientific tourism product.”
The much-anticipated museum, which has been under construction for the past few years, showcases South Africa’s rich paleontological and geological heritage with interactive exhibitions.
The world-class centre, located at the foot of Maluti Mountains, offers a guided tour that transports visitors back hundreds of millions of years to when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
When Professor James Kitching discovered the clutch of eggs in 1976, it caused much excitement in the scientific community because they were determined to be around 200 million years old — the oldest recorded dinosaur embryos.
The Tourism Department secured funding of R120 million from the European Union for the centre, which also celebrates the Indigenous Basotho culture.
“This facility is a wonderful addition to our diverse tourism offerings and it will ensure repeat visits,” De Lille said.
Park manager Paddy Gordon said he hoped the centre would attract more visitors to the park.
“We are not just aiming at visitors who have been here… we want new visitors both locally and internationally to come and learn the story of the dinosaur,” said Gordon.
De Lille agrees.
“Our fossil record provides evidence for us to say to the entire world, “welcome home!”. From the fossil evidence we know that Africa is both the Cradle of Humankind and Cradle of Human Culture.”
The centre is unique because it offers visitors an interactive demonstration of scientific history, ultimately providing a broader appreciation of South Africa’s cultural heritage.
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