Kingdom of the Big Cats fossil display

Remains of the oldest monkey (Parapapio) found in the Cradle of Humankind by the Human Origins and Past Environments (Hope) Research Unit

A block of breccia with micro mammal remains (rodents, bats, shrews)

It is not just skeletal remains such as bones and teeth that are found at palaeontological sites, but fossilised dung (coprolites) as seen in this cabinet. These coprolites probably belong to hyena and can contain fossil plant pollens that allow reconstruction of past environments eg open grassland or wooden paleo-habitats

The skull of a fossil pig (Phacochoerus modestus) collected during the University of California excavation in 1947-1948

Upper tusk of a fossil pig in a block of breccia discovered by the Hope Research Unit

The mandible and skull of a lion cub of similar age for size comparison

The mandible of a very large young cat (also Panthera and possibly a lion) discovered by the Hope Research Unit

Dinofelis barlowi is a large cat (or felid) and represents the flagship of this exhibition. Displayed here is the exceptionally well preserved original skull. Dinofelis barlowi is a false sabre-toothed cat. The upper canines are long but not as flat as true sabre-toothed cats. This specimen was collected during the University of California excavation between 1947 and 1948.