In October 1995, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science opened Prehistoric Journey, covering the 3.5 billion-year history of life on Earth. This exhibition continues that tradition.
Techniques vary with each animal, but most follow the same general process.
First, the artists study and measure the fossil bones. An understanding of anatomy and musculature is crucial to this process, and scientists are on hand for assistance. Next, they flesh out the frame with clay, a thumbful at a time. The completed cast is coated with uniform gray primer paint, then painted in lifelike colors. While exhibitors were working on the Terminator Pig, some liquid fiberglass accidentally oozed out of its open mouth in a serendipitous imitation of prehistoric drool.