CFDC volunteers Itsy Cantelon (left) and Abby Robb take a photo with Moto at the unveiling at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre on Friday, May 6, 2016. (HANDOUT)
The latest attraction to the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden is now open to the public.
Motoko is a new metal mosasaur measuring 13 feet in length that’s part of a new interactive exhibit.
“Motoko has been in the works for a while and we’re thrilled at how well received she was at her unveiling,” said CFDC executive director Peter Cantelon. “Our goal is to give people a truly unique and fun experience with our new Access Credit Union Aquasaur Photobooth that they cannot get anywhere else.”
Students at the Red River Technical Vocational Area welding program brought Motoko to life. Accompanying the mosasaur is a five-metre wall covered with renowned Canadian paleoartist Julius Csotonyi’s print of a Cretaceous marine scene.
If you’re wondering what the name Motoko actually means, it’s a Japanese variation of the word “child” and matches the museum’s desire to appeal to children.
“We’re also a bunch of geeks here at the CFDC and Motoko is the name of the main character in a famous Japanese anime called “Ghost in the Shell” who also happens to a cyborg,” added Cantelon. “As a metal mosasaur we thought Motoko was the perfect namesake.”
PHOTO INFO: CFDC Volunteers Itsy Cantelon (left) and Abby Robb (right) take a Photo with Moto at the unveiling.
