1-ton dinosaur-aged fossil - a rescue mission

[@uncannyvalleywoods7248]

I love how you channeled your frustration for the destruction of the concretion into renting heavy equipment! Cheers!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks! 👍

[@salishseaquest7952]

You must have been gutted to see the senseless damage that had been done to the concretion. Good one you for getting everyone involved and saving it from further damage. Can hardly wait to see what you find inside!

[@TheAlastairBrown]

A small funny observation - for our viewing pleasure Mamlambo is putting the rock down, setting up the camera, picking the rock up, walking past the camera, putting the rock down, packing up the camera, picking the rock up again. All to fit our expectations of what it looks like to carry a very heavy rock. 🤣🤣The dedication is appreciated! 😁

[@MamlamboFossils]

:D I do that so often I don't even realise it anymore

[@mica4977]

Good use of time while taking a break from carrying it XD

[@wazzazone]

@TheAlastairBrown I have often thought the same steps Mamlambo must do to keep continuity for his internet keyboard archeological team. THANKS HEAPS.

[@billrobbins5874]

Congratulations on your find! Awesome.

[@TheAlastairBrown]

@@MamlamboFossils I think that moving forward, whenever footage is required of you carrying stuff, you get a freebie on "Generic montage of Mamlambo carrying heavy rocks" complete with caption , speed up 10x, and playing the Benny Hill "Yakety Sax" theme tune.

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

Its awesome that you were able to save it with all that help. I hope whoever took the rest of the bones returns them to the museum too.

[@MamlamboFossils]

That would be ideal!

[@dba750]

ITS SHAMEFUL THAT HE'S RUINED NEW ZEALAND, LEAVE US ALONE! HES MADE OUR DELICATE ECO SYSTEM SECOND TO LIKES

[@dba750]

Theres no way that is sustainable for our delicate environment. New Zealand isn't big enough for American exploitation, greed, don't even come here.

[@dba750]

Leave the history undisturbed, theres more that we should fix, .......

[@bretthess6376]

​@@dba750Why are you here? If you want something fixed, go to it.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much to my patrons for funding this project! You can join by going to: www.patreon.com/mamlambo

[@johnh539]

Frankly you impress me every time I watch one of your videos , I am delighted things are going well. good luck with the new venture.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Ah thanks so much! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@RockHoundingAdventures]

Hey bro i remember when you were telling us about this piece on the podcast. I’m so happy you figured out how to get it out of the river bed. It’s a shame when people are so destructive when trying to remove fossil improperly. Can’t wait do you to reveal what it is.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yeah, this is that big piece! I'm hoping it has some cool bones in there, maybe even a skull!

[@nyloaf]

it makes me so angry that someone damaged such a wonderful concretion.. truly despicable

[@BayAreaMotorcycleCommuting]

It feels like a huge project - time to hire some assistants for prepping!

[@largent45]

Wow! That was a huge undertaking but I'm so glad you got it to the shop where it will be safe and you can start working on it! Thanks Morne!

[@ironjack4468]

You're a national treasure! Love to see how much someone loves their local natural history and shares their enthousiasm with the world.

[@sandmaker]

Well done and thanks to all the people that helped. It takes a village. Keep having fun! See y'a next time.

[@Doxymeister]

Woot-woot! What an adventure. Good job saving that bone block--I cannot fathom why someone would damage it like that. At any rate, looking forward to the big reveal! Thanks!

[@99goat99]

I truly love how far you've come. What an undertaking the events of this video were! Looking forward to seeing this tonner prepped. Cheers!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thank you so much!

[@wazzazone]

I'm so happy for you getting your own workshop congratulations. Job well done Mamlambo and Christchurch museum.

[@stephenarmstrong7354]

Your dedication to the hobby is truly amazing.

[@Kirsten._._]

This is so freaking cool, Morne! I’m so used to seeing the huge blocks left behind, that’s so amazing you were able to get these ones to your workshop!

[@MamlamboFossils]

It was quite a bit of effort but worth it!

[@ianstewartbrown5308]

So happy you were able to retrieve this amazing concretion. I can't wait to see what's revealed during prepping

[@PaleoDutch]

You are an absolute legend for taking on such a job! I just love the passion that shines through you when your doing this. Hopefully you will have loads of fun prepping this piece, and I will be there to watch it all on your channel!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thank you! Will do!

[@finlaymorgan1405]

Awesome video, you are like a kiwi Indiana Jones of paleontology

[@MamlamboFossils]

hahahaah I love that!

[@booga2059]

Great save, well done to you and the team that helped.

[@mica4977]

Is amazing just how easily they are to spot to the trained eye when I've likely passed some over without realization

[@alexandermelchers1497]

Awesome work, Morne! Seeing as how little I understand is known of New Zealand's Cretaceous marine fauna, this is likely to be a significant find! So you've really contributed to the preservation of New Zealand's national natural heritage organising this...! Bravo! 👏💫

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much Alexander! I'm hoping there is is going to be a bit of skull in there somewhere!

[@alexandermelchers1497]

@@MamlamboFossils Fingers crossed! 🤞

[@reaperkitty66]

Aww, that's unfortunate that someone inexperienced with fossils went out there and damaged it like that. Can't wait to see more progress with this!

[@cptnkaos5994]

great job in saving, such an amazing fossil

[@annakeye]

Good stuff. I will get out there as soon as. Thanks for sharing the retrieval etc.,.

[@HammyPotter42]

Amazing, this is so exciting. I look forward to every update!

[@randalljones4370]

PERFECT walk-on music for that huge flatbed truck ! Time for a new invention : a 1 meter-plus deep, inflatable 'pool' which has ports on the lower sides to drain out the contents (vinegar) into a tank. Also, a 5-ton-capable set of flooring supports and an inspection camera/B-72/76/98 dispenser on an X/Y pen-plotter-like arm/delivery system. To use : - park the mega-fossil in the middle, - inflate the sides - pour in the vinegar - after appropriate time passes, draw off the vinegar via the low ports and deflate the walls. - a) roll up a chair and get to work prepping, - b) run the X/Y stabilizer dispenser over the bone-edge coordinates - c) re-inflate the walls and pump the vinegar back in - d) after sitting in FossilSoft for a few weeks; drain it off/deflate the walls, and get back to the prep. No new technology, but if you write the proposal properly, you can probably get a patent and retire on the Billions of Nothing that Big Museumae would have to pay to use the idea. ... or not.

[@MamlamboFossils]

that is a great idea!! You've definitely thought this through!

[@savagesquirrel9828]

Nerve wracking! So glad you made it.maybe you can just expand the shop around it….lol.

[@nzdobbs]

Always enjoy your videos mate, hope to pop out in the next few weeks and see your workshop. Recognized some landmarks in some of your vids, but never realized you were so close!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Just 30min north of Christchurch 😀

[@linuskorff4074]

That was awesome! I really hope the fossil bones contained with in will be a stunning specimen! Hope it will prepare nicely!

[@Rockin_in_Kentucky]

Incredible find, cant wait to see the prep videos on that.

[@MamlamboFossils]

It will be a big project!!

[@1mmickk]

Huge thanks to the Farmer and the Logging Co and the transport Co and everyone else involved who made this happen.

[@MamlamboFossils]

It was a team effort!

[@2wahineandadog]

Awesome fella - this will be amazing for your kids club to see - super glad for you!!!

[@rbfossils4954]

Would love to see all the steps of this process. Great concretion!!!

[@exzendar2523]

Amazing work!!! Can't wait to see what you found!

[@MamlamboFossils]

You and me both!

[@13Odrade]

Woooow ! At least THIS time, you didn't try to drag it on your own !

[@ianmax5263]

Crazy journey to get that monster back to your workshop!

[@MamlamboFossils]

It was quite a undertaking!

[@riverAmazonNZ]

Massive prepping job, but exciting!

[@Tser]

I've just been moving some piddling rocks around my garden, and messed up my SI joint again. Haha. These rocks required more than just lifting with your legs. It's great to see that the equipment could be brought in to get those fossils out!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Those were some pretty big rocks 🤣 hope your back is better soon!

[@loriazevedo5994]

So glad you got that fossil home. Have fun doing it.

[@user-pd2gu6li2n]

very curious to see what you discover and maybe some, or all, of the pieces come together to form a bigger picture.

[@ItzRetz]

'PLZ LEAVE INTACT' Some bozo: "It's a good thing I can't read!"

[@cindyheinrich2054]

Can't wait to see the prize inside!!

[@Mrjoshuasjourneyzzz10420]

Nice fossil save!!!

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

It feels like burning a rare book every time a fossil is destroyed. Glad it is safe now.

[@kakapokhaos]

Massive endeavour!! Can’t wait to see the prepping results 🤩

[@kirsiselei8703]

Oh wow. Great to c that u get to save that huge rock. Cant wait to c it prepped and c what is inside❤👋🇫🇮

[@blythewarland6688]

can't wait to see the final product, shame it was damaged

[@jorrit.f]

Can't wait to see the results!

[@susandorward2293]

Looking forward to seeing the fossil!

[@nolaspeaker5656]

The way you said "its Cretaceous", it sounded more like an adjective, than a noun. 😂

[@zatoth13]

Wandered in a bit late, so replaying it.

[@JustinCase807]

This is very exciting!!!! Let’s hope there is a skull in there 😀

[@pvtglarson1]

how are you not jacked beyond belief for lugging these rocks so far

[@MamlamboFossils]

sleeper build :D

[@josephcormier5974]

Outstanding sir thank you for sharing this with us six stars brother

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much Joseph!!

[@wumbel5249]

Great example how fossil hunters can help supply science with evidence!

[@iwalkincircles2960]

Hand trucks, wheel barrow or 4 wheel cart would help for the smaller stones. Less heavy carrying and you can move more with less energy

[@KrisPSouls9258]

I cant wait to visit a good friend of mine in Arizona. They been finding a lot of fossils on his property. So far fish turtles and some kind of croc I believe is the latest big find.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Sounds amazing!

[@mikes5637]

Everyone should have some heavy rock in their life 😅 Looking forward to seeing what's inside.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Same here!

[@jasonflay8818]

Im sure you get the same frustrating feeling when you see people destroying fossils as I get when I see people looting archaeological sites. Though I know some have more malicious intents, looting for profit, but I have to keep telling myself that the vast majority are well intentioned people who don't know the damage they are doing. It's up to us professionals to educate, educate, educate. I've found most people want to do the right thing, they just never were exposed to what they could be doing to be better. Take photos, map locations, let professionals know about what you find. I know every country has its own rules, but I'm the states, things in private land are owned by the land owner, which includes archaeological sites. If someone does collect, at least let someone know what you have do if anyone wants to research the collection they can. Don't dig, and have a plan in place for your collection when you die. I know to many stories of archaeological information lost because someone died and their family threw out the materials. Keep doing what you are doing, you are helping to preserve your history Everytime you interact with the public.

[@mutt3162]

Are these the largest blocks you've done? I don't remember seeing anything quite this large.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yip, these are the biggeszt!

[@mutt3162]

@@MamlamboFossils that's exciting!! I can't wait to see what's inside. It's like Christmas LoL 🤣

[@jennywilloughby3236]

Hi love your channel, do u work in Dunedin? Was down there few weeks ago, had a look at the university museum few fossils etc was cool. Thought of your channel while there. 😊

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yip in Christchurch, well 30 min north

[@beverlylumley4150]

Happy prepping, Canada

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Beverly!

[@mpfractal3138]

Determination is your forte! Well done!

[@MamlamboFossils]

I am rather stubborn!

[@kareno8634]

I'm going to Have to Move to New Zealand, Mamlambo. W0W doesn't even begin to express how Awesome it is to have Great Friends, and Boss equipment. Rolling this into back yard? How you going to soak it, Roll onto Pond liner? .. _hmm_

[@MamlamboFossils]

I haven't got that far yet 🤣 I'll have to reduce the size first I think

[@kareno8634]

@@MamlamboFossils Hi! Much Good Luck to you. I'd help if closer and knew how, But, will wait ... as we all do, to see how and what Treasures have been held captive all these years. Hugs to all ~ Cheers!

[@dbaider9467]

Little axe strokes fell great oaks!

[@bobs-rocks]

Cool recovery!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks!

[@Big_Renfrew]

Good work!

[@loisr1560]

Fantastic. I cannot wait ti see what you find i it.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Me neither!!

[@tonybird4633]

Great work.

[@tonybird4633]

If the workshop is open Saturday, I have a partial fossil whale skull, could I get an opinion on it? Cheers

[@STHFGDBY]

I'm impressed you carried that rock all the way back to your car, that was no easy task. As we say in Ireland. ''You're a horse of a man ''

[@catherine59226]

Very awesome! 👍🏻❤️

[@melmel007]

You are a legend 🎉

[@michaelzurakowski5749]

Very exciting!!!

[@WorldofRockhounds]

That would be nice if someone came forward and donated that piece they broke off

[@MamlamboFossils]

That would be so awesome!

[@cynthiarowley719]

Finally! Someone is watching this, wanting to be you, you did it better. Maybe they will come foreard...

[@LuisMGarat]

Heroes without capes (!)

[@traog]

I see so many videos of people that find fossils then smash them open with a hammer, makes me cringe every time after seeing the care you show in properly revieling them.

[@MamlamboFossils]

sledgehammers aren't the best way to reveal fossils!

[@PrimalRenegade17]

A bit frustrating someone would destroy it. Dude if you can't take it as one piece just leave it. There are plenty of other fossils.

[@timtaylor1365]

My goodness Morne, I see why you need a new workshop ....with jack hammers and pneumatic drills...

[@aserta]

0:46 should've known this would happen. This is why we can't have nice things.

[@jennywilloughby3236]

Oh Christchurch,

[@mariano_tiburon]

by moving that rock you altered the inclination of the earth axis .....

[@MamlamboFossils]

lol love it!

[@mariano_tiburon]

🤪

[@That_vagabond98]

Whoever cut into it is an absolute troglodyte. That sucks so much that they couldn’t just leave it be

[@aserta]

I think i remember this rock, what's the previous episode if that's the case ?

[@MamlamboFossils]

yip, I've shown it previously

[@a3skywarrior929]

Wow!nice

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thank you so much 😀

[@NotTooStraight]

With tiktokers going around with sledge hammers hitting rocks, I’m not surprised someone tried to “prep” it on site like that

[@aserta]

I see some on YT as well. They just go willy nilly about with hammers and crack stuff without a single clue as to what they're doing. And they are SO arrogant about it when you tell them that if they hadn't been cracking the stone with a sledge, and taken the time to learn the craft a bit, they'd get ... you know, intact specimens worth something instead of half and half (in the best of situations) with crumbling fossil bits in the sand. Stupidity is like a disease.

[@cynthiadugan858]

❤

[@helgavoorneveld1530]

Great rescue mission but I could have done without watching it while my ears were assaulted by the music and I was afraid I would miss some explanation if I muted the sound😢

[@MamlamboFossils]

If you turn captions on, it will let you know when I am talking

[@helgavoorneveld1530]

@@MamlamboFossils of course I never thought of that thanks

[@critterjon4061]

Now for the all important question What do you think it is ?

[@MamlamboFossils]

Marine reptile, mosasaur or plesiosaur as it had some paddle bones visible

[@user-pd2gu6li2n]

👍🇺🇸

[@cynthiafoss8086]

Hi everyone, you're going to like this

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks for popping in Cynthia!!

[@petergwatts9037]

Often heavy hard work collecting fossils but that takes it to a new level... 🇳🇿🦕🏗️🦖🇳🇿