Officials in Hong Kong have made a groundbreaking discovery of dinosaur fossils on a remote, uninhabited island within the city. This marks the first time such fossils have been found in Hong Kong, shedding light on the region's prehistoric past.
The fossils, believed to be from a large dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous period approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, were unearthed on Port Island, part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. While experts have confirmed the dinosaur's existence, further studies are required to determine its specific species.
According to experts, the dinosaur likely met its demise and was buried under layers of sand and gravel. Subsequent geological events, including a significant flood, brought the fossilized remains to the surface before they were once again buried at the discovery site.
The discovery was initiated when the conservation department alerted the Antiquities and Monuments Office about sedimentary rock containing suspected vertebrate fossils on Port Island. Mainland Chinese experts were then brought in to conduct field investigations, leading to the confirmation of the dinosaur fossils.
As a result of this significant find, Port Island has been closed to the public to facilitate ongoing investigations and excavations. The fossils will be put on display at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular shopping district, starting this Friday.
In addition to the public exhibition, the government plans to establish a temporary workshop where experts will prepare the fossil specimens for public viewing by the end of 2024. This initiative aims to engage the community and provide a unique opportunity for individuals to witness the process of fossil preservation and study.
