Colossal squid at Te Papa
We have one colossal squid on display, but did you know we have three colossal squid specimens in our collection?
Tell us a story: how did the colossal squid get to Te Papa?
Our beloved colossal squid (the only one on display in the world) has been a whānau favourite since 2008 – but how did it get here? Tell us a ‘tall tale’ or a factual story about how it came to Te Papa. You could write, draw, or animate your story.
Education type
Whānau challenge
Read pages 8 and 9 of the colossal squid activity book to find out how the squid got to Te Papa, or make up your own story!
Inspiration
Videos
Other useful resources
The colossal squid activity book (page 8 and 9 tells the real story of how the colossal squid came to Te Papa)
The arms and tentacles of the colossal squid
The beak of the colossal squid
The eyes of the colossal squid
See how others took on the challenge
How to colossal squid came to Te Papa, by Tilly age 10
Using Plasticine and Lego to create a stop motion animation video with a tablet device, by Lennox and Frankie age 7 and 4
Want to use stop motion? Watch a video to learn how to do it
The anatomy of the colossal squid
Discover all about the anatomy this deep sea beast. Learn about it's massive eyes, sharp beak, and long hooked tentacles.
The life and habits of a colossal squid
We know very little about the colossal squid’s life history, diet, or behaviour, because they live at extreme depths in freezing water, but here's what we do know...