Exotic Zoo to Host Telford Fossil Festival
25th March 2026
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Exotic Zoo has announced it will host the Telford Fossil Festival on June 6th and 7th. The zoo has secured acclaimed palaeontologist, author, and TV presenter Dr Dean Lomax and world-renowned natural history artist Bob Nicholls for the event.
The festival will champion the Telford Natural History Museum, which is part of Exotic Zoo. Last year, it employed its first full-time palaeontologist, Tom Moncrieffe.
Tom has put the event together to bring in fossil lovers and palaeontology fans from across the UK to discover what the museum offers. He will also be revealing a new Jurassic dinosaur, which will be housed at the museum and will showcase the new public fossil preparation laboratory, giving visitors an insight into real fossil work and museum science.
Tom said, “This family-friendly celebration of prehistoric life is perfect for fossil lovers, palaeontology fans, and curious minds of all ages for a weekend packed with discovery and fun. Whether you’re starting your fossil journey or deepening your passion for Earth’s history, this festival promises fossil fun, expert insights, and unforgettable experiences for all.”
On Saturday, June 6th, there is ‘The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs Talk’ with acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax and Palaeo-reconstruction artist Bob Nicholls, which will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. You can book a place at the talk and book signing when purchasing your tickets, and buy their book.
A Jurassic Park Jeep will be parked up at the zoo, and there will be the opportunity to view the museum’s collection of real skeletons, including the recent addition of a 32-million-year-old genuine Oligocene rhinoceros skull that was discovered in fossil beds of the Badlands of Nebraska, USA.
Scott Adams, managing director at Exotic Zoo, said, “Across the weekend, the zoo will bring together a range of fossil and paleoart vendors, with hands-on workshops and activities for all ages. There will be fossil experts on hand with talks and fossils for sale. Stalls will be selling dinosaur-themed art, models, books and gifts. Tickets include two-day zoo entry, so you can spend the whole weekend exploring the zoo, museum, stalls, and activities, discovering how much we have to offer here in the heart of Telford.”
