SuperCroc rears its head
Published on -3/14/2010, 7:09 PM
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By GAYLE WEBER
Excitement has been building in the Rider household for the last few months since the announcement of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History's newest exhibit.
"Sam, my oldest, has been anxiously, kind of patiently, waiting the last couple months," said father, Kurt Rider. "This is a big day for all of us."
The Rider family, including 7-year-old Sam and 2-year-old Shane, was one of the first through the door Saturday to see the unveiling of "The Science of SuperCroc."
With the actual 6-foot-long skull of the ancient crocodile greeting them, the Rider family and many others took in the sights and activities available in the exhibit.
"I didn't know what to expect," Kurt Rider said. "I just thought it was going to be the skeleton."
But beyond the actual skull, a replica full-length cast and a fleshed-out version of the SuperCroc also are on display, as well as activities for children and a display of the supplies necessary to recover the skeleton from the Sahara Desert.
But the main attractions are the crocodiles.
"Huge, very big," 12-year-old Talisha Carrasco said of the fleshed-out crocodile replica.
Lois Dreher, Carrasco's grandmother, brought four grandchildren to Sternberg for the grand opening, after also taking them there Friday.
"When they were talking about what was coming up with the sleepover and stuff, they're making plans," Dreher said of her grandchildren.
In association with the SuperCroc exhibit, Sternberg has planned a series of weekend events including SuperCroc sleepovers on April 10 and July 31.
And Carrasco said she won't be scared to sleep with the crocodiles and dinosaurs.
"Nope," she said, dismissing the notion.
Also a highlight for many children was the Suchomimus, a crocodile-mimicking dinosaur that has interactive features for museum visitors.
"The Science of SuperCroc," produced by Chicago-based Project Exploration, is on display at Sternberg through Aug. 5.
"This is incredible for Hays and western Kansas," Rider said. "This is really special. I love it."
