Marine Mammals Museum event set to come to SALT Festival 2019

Be immersed in all things marine mammals at ‘A Night with the Museum’ on Tuesday 23 April as part of SALT Festival 2019.

Marine Parks Eyre Peninsula Regional Coordinator Dr Shelley Paull said she’s excited by the opportunity to give community direct access to the leading marine scientists in this field from the South Australian Museum.

“Marine mammals are charismatic and many people have a natural affinity towards them. There is more to them than their cute personas. Many of these species have been on the brink of extinction, with some species now recovering from protection whilst others remain threatened. People are fascinated to hear about the lives of these amazing creatures,” Shelley said.

“Guest speakers from the South Australian Museum and local Barngarla Aboriginal representatives will take us on a journey focused on the amazing marine mammals that call South Australia home.”

A ‘mini museum’ of marine mammal specimens will also be on display which showcases such things as an Elephant seal skull, Blue whale baleen, Australian sea lion, Long-nosed fur seal, Beaked whale skulls and a Sperm whale teeth name a few.

“Come along to the Bone Detectives session on Wednesday 24 April to have bones you have found identified by Museum staff. Touch some of the marine mammal specimens on loan from the South Australian Museum in the display. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and hear from Museum scientists and observe Museum specimens usually only seen in Adelaide,” Shelley said.

Guest speakers include: Emma Richards, Barngarla descendant speaking on whales, dolphins and seals in Barngarla Aboriginal culture. Dr Cath Kemper Senior Research Scientist from South Australian Museum presenting on Whales and dolphins of South Australia. Dr Peter Shaughessy, Honorary Research Associate with South Australian Museum talking about the seals of South Australia and Ikuko Tomo, Honorary Research Associate of South Australian Museum presenting Marine Mammal CSI - using science to determine diseases in marine mammals.

Presenters will be available to chat after the presentations. Bookings for the Night with the Museum event is essential. To book in for this free and family friendly event visit www.saltfestival.com.au/events-tickets

The ‘A Night with the Museum’ and ‘Bone Detectives’ events are hosted by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula.