The Urgonia Museum in Orgon welcomes a new star attraction: "Ernest", a young carnivorous dinosaur whose skeleton has been reconstructed in three dimensions. This impressive specimen, which roamed the region approximately 135 million years ago, is now on public display, enhancing the museum's offerings.
The exceptional paleontological discovery was made in Barret-sur-Méouge, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, by paleontology enthusiast Luc Ebbo. The animal lived during the Valanginian stage of the Early Cretaceous period. What makes this discovery particularly remarkable is the remarkable state of preservation of the original skeleton, with over 70% intact. It is currently the most complete skeleton of a juvenile theropod dinosaur found in the Valanginian terrains of Provence, and among the oldest juvenile carnivorous dinosaur specimens discovered in Europe. Scientific studies are ongoing to precisely determine its species.
The dinosaur was named "Ernest" in tribute to Luc Ebbo's grandfather, Ernest Dol, who instilled in him a passion for fossil research and preparation. This family homage now accompanies this significant paleontological find.
Thanks to this three-dimensional reconstruction, "Ernest" has found its place at the Urgonia Museum, complementing its collections dedicated to geology, fossils, and the natural history of the region. The museum invites visitors on a journey back in time to discover the fauna and landscapes of our territory millions of years ago. The arrival of "Ernest" offers a new opportunity, especially during the Toussaint holidays, to engage with paleontology.
The Urgonia Museum is located at Chemin des Aires, 13660 Orgon. It is open Monday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 5:30 PM. Entry is free for unguided individual visits. For more information, contact 04 90 73 09 54 or visit www.musee-urgonia.fr.
