Amateur scientists assist with ancient ichthyosaur fossil in Winton

A group of eager volunteers has converged on an outback shed in Winton to delicately uncover a 100-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil. Leading this amateur paleontology endeavor is Jon Hawkhead, a cancer survivor from Western Australia who was captivated by fossils during a visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum in Winton. Despite not being a seasoned paleontologist, the 77-year-old Jon Hawkhead was driven by his passion for prehistoric bones to embark on a journey to Queensland to participate in the excavation project.
Joining Mr. Hawkhead are eight other enthusiasts, including an ambitious university graduate from California, Sebastian Laraguadiana, who described the opportunity to work on the ancient ichthyosaur as a surreal and unique experience. Upon arrival, the volunteers were tasked with cleaning and preparing the near-complete ichthyosaur fossil, which was discovered on a nearby property in 2023. The ichthyosaur, an aquatic predator resembling a dolphin, once roamed Australia’s ancient Eromanga Sea, providing valuable insight into the region’s prehistoric marine ecosystem.
During the two-week program, participants meticulously chipped away at rock fragments encasing the fossil using power tools. The process, carried out in a workshop setting, required an intense and focused effort from each individual to reveal the exposed bones of the ichthyosaur. Despite the physically demanding nature of the work, the participants found the experience to be therapeutic and immersive, with Mr. Hawkhead expressing a deep sense of fulfillment and awe at handling bones that are over 100 million years old.
Grant Salmond, the museum education manager who oversaw the volunteer program, highlighted the significance of citizen scientists contributing to paleontology projects. He noted that the participants, ranging in experience levels, were deeply engaged in the excavation process, showing a genuine passion for uncovering history. Through their dedicated efforts, the volunteers were able to identify previously unknown fin bones in the ichthyosaur’s flippers, adding to the specimen’s scientific value.
Laboratory supervisor Lucas Burden emphasized the exceptional completeness of the 7-meter-long ichthyosaur fossil, describing it as one of the most intact specimens of its species worldwide. With the fossil nearing completion, excluding the head of the skeleton, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum aims to put the specimen on display by the end of 2026. This ambitious goal reflects the museum’s commitment to public engagement and education, allowing visitors to marvel at the ancient creature that once inhabited Australia’s prehistoric seas.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of dedicated volunteers like Jon Hawkhead and Sebastian Laraguadiana have brought to light the rich paleontological heritage of the Australian outback. Their shared passion for uncovering history and contributing to scientific discovery underscores the value of citizen science in preserving our planet’s prehistoric past for future generations to appreciate and learn from.