Meet the Ancient Giants: “Penghusuchus pani” and Bryde’s Whale Debut at the Penghu Fossil Museum
Penghu County Government
2025-04-26
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This morning (26th), the Penghu County Government held the opening ceremony of “Legends of the Penghu Channel” at the plaza in front of the Penghu Fossil Museum. The event featured a lively performance by the Wen Ao Percussion Family and the Ming Yuan Preschool, kicking off the ceremony with energy. Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu was present to witness with distinguished guests the unveiling of the museum’s two prized treasures: the fossil of “Penghusuchus pani” and the skeletal specimen of the “Bryde’s whale,” a symbol rooted in Taiwan’s traditional sea deity beliefs. Attendees also toured the newly curated permanent exhibition “Legends of the Penghu Channel,” uncovering the remarkable story of Penghu’s natural history through fossils and exhibits.
Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu said that Penghu has a long geological history and a rich story of biological evolution. These precious fossil resources are treasured national assets of Penghu. The Penghu Fossil Museum displays fossils of ancient creatures such as the straight-tusked elephant and the Elaphurus, recovered from the Penghu Channel dating back 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. It also features the “Penghusuchus pani,” a prehistoric terrestrial apex predator discovered by Mr. Pan Ming-Kuo in Neian, Xiyu, dating back 15 to 17 million years ago and measuring 4.6 meters long, as well as the Bryde’s whale skeletal specimen stranded in the waters off Jibei. From excavation, restoration, to mounting, these rare treasures have been meticulously studied by experts and are now fully presented to the public, highlighting Penghu’s crucial role in geology and paleontology.
Magistrate Chen Kuang-Fu noted that the county government carefully planned and refurbished the Penghu Fossil Museum, providing vivid, systematic displays and various science education activities that allow children and visitors to learn while having fun. The goal is to spark curiosity about paleontology and Earth’s history, cultivate a spirit of love for nature and science, and deepen understanding and appreciation of ancient life stories.
The museum is divided into three main themed exhibition areas: the first floor hosts “Legends of the Penghu Channel,” while the second floor features “The Ancient Apex Predator Penghusuchus pani” and the “Giant Marine Beasts Whale Hall.” The exhibits are rich and highly interactive and the museum sincerely invites residents and tourists to visit, travel through the time tunnel, and explore Penghu’s geological wonders.
Councilor Su Chen-Hsiu-Se, Secretary General Cheng Chia-Wei, Deputy Magistrate Lin Chieh-Hsing, Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Yu-Yun, Tourism Department Director Chen Mei-Ling, General Affairs Department Director Chen Ching-Hui, Environmental Protection Bureau Director Tsai Chi-Hsien, Public Transport Management Office Director Ma Chin-Tsu, Industrial Development
Investment Promotion Committee Secretary Chang Hao-Tse, National Museum of Natural Science Researcher Yang Tzu-Jui, Penghusuchus pani fossil discoverer Mr. Pan Ming-Kuo, natural history worker Lin Chang-Hsing, and exhibition curator Mr. Hsiao Yu-Fu all attended, contributing to writing a new chapter of Penghu’s geological and cultural heritage.
