There be Monsters! New exhibit at Halifax’s Museum of Natural History is big enough to accommodate ocean giants

A new exhibit at the Museum of Natural History takes a deep dive into past and present aquatic predators.

The Museum of Natural History in Halifax, N.S., has a new exhibit that takes guests underwater.

“Monsters of the Abyss,” is about the deepest parts of the ocean and the animals that live there.

Jeff Gray is the manager of the Museum of Natural History. He said the new exhibit is one of the largest in museum history.

“This is a 4,000-plus square foot exhibit,” Gray said. “It features everything from live animals to dinosaurs.”

Gray said the exhibit is interactive, with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. He said staff will be available to answer questions and facilitate activities.

“There’s lots of chances to engage with the exhibit but also the chance to stand in front of an ancient dinosaur and really understand the size and scope of these creatures that live in the deep ocean.” Gray said.

The museum partnered with frequent collaborator, Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo and Exhibitions for “Monsters of the Abyss.” Gray said it was their biggest shared project to date.

Paul “Little Ray” Goulet and his partner Sheri started Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo in 2000. It is the largest exotic animal rescue in Canada with one of the most extensive animal education and outreach programs in North America. It boasts an award winning, travelling, live animal museum exhibit program.

“The theme of the exhibit is the ultimate aquatic predator, past and present,” Goulet said. “So it really takes people on a journey through time.”

Goulet said the exhibit starts with prehistoric fish from hundreds of million years ago, through the age of the dinosaurs, to modern predators like snakes and crocodiles.

The Museum of Natural History is the only stop in Atlantic Canada for “Monster of the Abyss.” It will be at the museum until Sept. 7.

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