Press Releases

The mammoth which has been printed in 3D is a replica of mammoth bones spotted by a dog walker in September 1986 on a farm in Condover, Shropshire. After being recovered by a team of scientists and local volunteers it was worked out that the bones were between 14,000 and 14,500 years old making them the last recorded mammoths in Britain and some of the last recorded in Europe. 

It is the most complete woolly mammoth skeleton found in Britain, only missing the skull and the tail. The bones of at least 3 baby mammoths (3-6 years old) were found with the adult, but they would not have been a family group in life.  Adult males left the herd into which they were born and wandered alone or in small bachelor groups.  Adult females lived together in groups with their young.

Mared Maggs, Head of National Museum Cardiff site said: 

‘We are thrilled to announce the arrival of this extraordinary creature to the Main Hall of National Museum Cardiff, a display that promises to breathe new life into this iconic space. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience the sheer magnitude of the Woolly Mammoth, igniting both wonder and curiosity as they delve into the fascinating world of these magnificent beings. 

‘Our new arrival will elevate the experience for both new and returning visitors and I’m overjoyed to finally reach the moment where we can unveil this incredible piece of history. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and share the captivating story behind this prehistoric giant.’

Dr Caroline Buttler, Head of Collection Development and palaeontologist said: 

‘This wonderful new addition to our National Museum Cardiff family will give all museum visitors an opportunity to get up close and see the exact size of this amazing pre-historic animal, and understand the world that he lived in 14,000 years ago. It's great to have used modern technology, 3D scanning and printing to recreate this extinct Woolly Mammoth skeleton.’ 

Later on this year Amgueddfa Cymru will also be looking for visitors’ help to give the mammoth a name with further details to be announced on our Social Media pages and at the museum in the summer. 

ENDS

For more information and images, please contact: Carwyn Evans, carwyn.evans2@amgueddfacymru.ac.uk

Notes to Editors 

• Mammoths lived alongside humans (Homo sapiens and Neanderthals), and humans hunted them to eat and provide skins and fur for clothing, huts, etc.
• In Britain, mammoths lived alongside woolly rhinos, giant deer, hyenas, cave bear and horses.
• Woolly mammoths were one of several different mammoths that existed in the past, with a different species living in North America.
• Woolly mammoths reached up to 3.5m height at the shoulder. 
• Woolly mammoth tusks had a slight spiral as well as being curved.
• Woolly mammoths had to eat up to 180kg of plant food daily, foraging for up to 20 hours a day.
• The mammoth was made by 3D scanning the twin of our skeleton that is on display at the Discovery Centre in Craven Arms, Shropshire.
• The bones and tusks were then 3D printed and painted to look like bone. 

Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales 

Amgueddfa Cymru belongs to everyone and is here for everyone to use. We’re a charity and a family of seven national museums and a collections centre, located across the country. Our aim is to inspire everyone through Wales’s story, at our museums, in communities and digitally. 

Our welcome is free thanks to funding from the Welsh Government and extends to people from all communities.  
 

Play your part in Wales’s story: by visiting, volunteering, by joining, by donating. 

https://museum.wales   
 

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