At the heart of our collection stands one of the most famous dinosaurs in history: a full-size cast of STAN the Tyrannosaurus rex skull, incorporating some genuine skull parts and teeth from our collection, expertly added to this skull to add part real, part cast to bring this centrepiece to life.
Welcome to Telford Natural History Museum at Exotic Zoo
Where ancient worlds come alive.
Step into a journey through deep time at the Natural History Museum at Exotic Zoo Telford, a unique museum experience where world-class fossil specimens, iconic prehistoric creatures, and cutting-edge scientific reconstructions come together under one roof. Designed to inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages, our museum brings you face-to-face with the extraordinary story of life on Earth from the earliest ocean predators to the mightiest dinosaurs that ever walked the planet.
But the star of this exhibit is something truly exceptional:
The world’s most scientifically accurate Psittacosaurus reconstruction face to face with a 100% complete Psittacosaurus skeleton, one of the most exquisitely preserved small dinosaurs ever discovered.
The reconstruction was commissioned for a major documentary and based on a rare fossil that preserved skin, pigmentation patterns, and quill-like structures, this life-size reconstruction reveals this dinosaur exactly as it would have appeared in life. From its quilled tail to the intricate shading on its skin, every detail reflects the latest palaeontological research, making it a highlight found nowhere else! The Genuine Skeleton that once walked around inside a Psittacosaurus 125 million years ago was expertly prepped and mounted by a world class expert in this dinosaur and in dinosaur mounting. These combined specimens make for a world class exhibit bringing you as close to seeing a real dinosaur as you could see anywhere in the world.
This isn’t the only complete dinosaur skeleton on display currently, come explore to find out more!
Our gallery spans the entire timeline of life, featuring extraordinary specimens such as:
- A powerful Sabertooth Cat skull, showcasing the Ice Age’s most iconic predator
- A towering Megalodon jaw reconstruction, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale of Earth’s most enormous shark and marvel as a genuine tooth big enough to dwarf your hand!
- A real Ichthyosaur fossil, a marine reptile whose lineage dominated Jurassic seas
- A variety of fossils representing ancient oceans, early vertebrates, local fossil sites, and much more…
Whether you are a dinosaur enthusiast, a budding palaeontologist, or simply curious about the natural world, the Natural History Museum at Exotic Zoo Telford offers an immersive, educational, and
unforgettable encounter with Earth’s deep past.
Behind the scenes, a brand-new facility has been taking shape…
The Fossil Preparation Laboratory
A real, working palaeontology lab where visitors will soon be able to watch and even take part in the delicate, detailed science of uncovering fossils from the rock.
This isn’t just a display.
It’s a fully functioning research and conservation space where genuine prehistoric specimens will be cleaned, stabilised, and preserved for future generations. And the best part?
You’ll be invited inside.
We have just opened this area so you can see our palaeontologist at work as he works on our collection and as we finish off this big project. Come and see it taking shape.
A Message From Tom, Our Palaeontologist
“Hi, Tom here! I'm a palaeontologist and I'm new to the Telford Natural History Museum team, my job is to enhance the museum and educate people all about fossils. I am currently building a Fossil Prep Lab which is a very rare thing in the UK. I will be inviting YOU to join me in the Prep Lab to help me prepare and protect fossils for our collection and to display in the museum. Watch this space for updates.”
Also, if you love fossils and dinosaurs be sure to visit Telford Fossil Festival right here in June… it's going to be amazing!
— Tom, Palaeontologist & Fossil Preparator