Everything Dinosaur has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award. It is an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience. Feefo established the Trusted Service Awards ten years ago. They recognise brands that use the platform to collect verified reviews and receive exceptional feedback from their customers. The awards are unique because they truly reflect a business’s dedication to providing outstanding customer service by analysing feedback from real customers.
Everything Dinosaur has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for 2024.
Feefo works with over 6,500 brands. The organisation is the world’s largest provider of verified reviews. Everything Dinosaur has won a customer service award from Feefo every year. At first, the company was awarded “Gold” status, but in 2020, a new higher award was offered. As a result, Everything Dinosaur has won this “Platinum” award ever since.
The Platinum Trusted Service Award certificate given to Everything Dinosaur in recognition of the company’s outstanding customer service.
Picture credit: Feefo
Listening to Our Customers
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur exclaimed:
“We are so excited to receive a Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo. Keeping our customers happy is our priority. So, the fact that this award is based on feedback from real customers gives us confidence. The award reflects how hard we work to listen to our customers and keep them happy, especially in a climate where purse strings are tight. As always, we will continue to listen to our customers and deliver what our customers want.”
Congratulating Everything Dinosaur on their achievement, Tony Wheble, CEO at Feefo, stated:
“The Trusted Service Awards have always been about recognising companies that go way beyond the norm in customer service and in turn receive great feedback from delighted customers. Congratulations to Everything Dinosaur for winning a Platinum Trusted Service Award by providing great customer service consistently over a number of years. I look forward to seeing them continue to achieve next year and beyond.”
Prehistoric elephants have always fascinated the public. Whilst we can marvel at the extant elephants alive today, they are just the remnants from what was a much more diverse Order. When visiting the Manchester Museum, team members photographed an American mastodon jaw fossil that was on display. The exhibit highlighted the evolutionary origins of the Proboscidea.
An American mastodon lower jaw with teeth preserved in situ. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The American Mastodon
The American mastodon (Mammut americanum) may have resembled a Woolly Mammoth. It had a long, shaggy coat and curved tusks. However, the American mastodon was only very distantly related to the coeval Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius). It ranged from Canada to Central America (Pliocene to Pleistocene). Isolated populations may have become extinct as recently as five thousand years ago.
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Mastodon model.
The image (above) shows a model of an American mastodon in the Wild Safari Prehistoric World model range.
The Manchester Museum fossil gallery contains an amazing collection of fossil specimens. The Cenozoic mammals section highlights the evolution of horses, the ascent of our own species and the evolution of key mammal groups today such as the elephants, the Carnivora and the rhinos.
It is well worth a visit and free to enter. However, a donation is recommended and can be made at the entrance to the main galleries. Ironically, the donation boxes are located close to the skeleton of an elephant species that is still around today – an Asian elephant Elephas maximus.
The Haolonggood shipment has been delayed by three days as the container vessel has diverted away from the Red Sea. The current unrest in the region is causing shipping companies to divert vessels away from the area. Everything Dinosaur aims to have the new Haolonggood figures in stock by the end of this month. The new arrivals will include the fantastic Haolonggood Baryonyx models.
The new Haolonggood Baryonyx figures will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2024.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that numerous ships were having to take longer routes to avoid the Red Sea. Many container vessels will be delayed.
Haolonggood Baryonyx Models
The two new for 2024 Haolonggood Baryonyx dinosaur models are named Shan Ting and Wei Ding Guo. Both models have articulated jaws and are the same sculpt. However, they have different colour schemes. The Baryonyx model named Shan Ting has more grey colouring and subtle red colouration running across the top of the model. In contrast, Wei Ding Guo has more green and more prominent countershading.
Each figure is 26 cm long with a declared scale of 1:35. At this size, the scale measurements suggest a dinosaur in excess of nine metres in length. This is within the parameters suggested by palaeontologists for Baryonyx walkeri, based on the London Natural History Museum specimen (NHMUK VP R9951).
The two new for 2024 Haolonggood Baryonyx models. Shan Ting (top) and Wei Ding Guo (bottom).
The London Natural History Museum specimen represents the holotype for B. walkeri. The holotype was originally known as BMNH R9951, however, it was later re-catalogued as NHMUK VP R9951. It remains one of the most complete theropod fossil skeletons known from the UK. A cast of the Baryonyx fossil specimen is on display at the London Natural History Museum.
The mounted cast of the Baryonyx skeleton on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Baryonyx (B. walkeri) was formally named and described in 1986 (Charig and Milner). It remains the most complete fossil specimen of a spinosaurid found to date.
A stunning image of the new for 2024 Haolonggood Baryonyx model Wei Ding Guo wading through some water.
The two, new Haolonggood Baryonyx models certainly look impressive in the images that Haolonggood have supplied. We look forward to receiving these figures into stock.
Not long to wait now before the announcement. On Tuesday 16th of January (2024), Everything Dinosaur will find out if they are a winner. The prestigious Feefo Trusted Service Awards will be announced. Everything Dinosaur has won an award for customer service since the company first joined Feefo in 2017.
Next Tuesday, we will find out if our excellence in customer service is to be recognised again.
Feefo Trusted Service Awards 2024. Will Everything Dinosaur win an award?
Picture credit: Feefo
Feefo Trusted Service Awards
Feefo is one of the world’s largest buyer review platforms. The Feefo platform helps businesses to collect genuine, verified customer reviews. This allows companies like Everything Dinosaur to gain insights and to build better customer experiences. Since, Everything Dinosaur joined Feefo we have won an award every year.
Such is the quality of Everything Dinosaur’s customer service that the business has been awarded Feefo’s highest honour. Everything Dinosaur has received the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award. The company consistently achieves the highest level of customer service.
Everything Dinosaur’s Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award certificate.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We have continued to put our customers at the very heart of our business. We have already won several awards for excellence in customer service. Will we win this year? On Tuesday we will find out.”
Over the last few months Everything Dinosaur has received a colossal 647 feedback comments about products from customers. The average product rating from customers was an amazing 4.9 out of 5 stars. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Our thanks to editor Mike Fredericks who emailed Everything Dinosaur an image of the front cover of the next edition of “Prehistoric Times”. This quarterly magazine is published in the USA, but it has a worldwide readership and devoted following.
The front cover of “Prehistoric Times” features a thrilling encounter between a pair of theropods and a herd of sauropods.Picture credit: Mike Fredericks.
“Prehistoric Times” is aimed at dinosaur enthusiasts and collectors of prehistoric animal models and toys. Every issue has around sixty to seventy pages and it includes updates on the latest research, news and reviews of models and model kits plus interviews with artists and palaeontologists. Readers can submit their own dinosaur and prehistoric animal themed artwork and illustrations too.
The Winter Edition of “Prehistoric Times”
The winter edition of “Prehistoric Times” contains an article on dinosaur eggs by the influential American palaeontologist Kenneth Carpenter. The amazing German Neanderthal Museum (Mettmann, Germany), is explored including the recently opened Höhlenblick tower. This museum charts the emergence of humankind from our beginnings in eastern Africa to the rise of our species Homo sapiens. This fascinating museum is sited close to the location where the first fossils recognised as Homo neanderthalensis were found.
Issue 148 will include regular contributions from Phil Hore, Tracy Lee Ford and Randy Knol. The featured prehistoric animals are the early, amphibious cetacean Ambulocetus and the megaraptoran theropod Australovenator. In addition, there is a special feature on the trendsetting palaeoartist Eleanor Kish, also known as Ely Kish. This prominent artist sadly passed away a decade ago, but she leaves behind a rich legacy of wildlife art and illustrations of prehistoric animals.
We look forward to receiving the next issue of “Prehistoric Times”. It should be with us in a short while.
Scientists have identified a new species of tyrannosaur from fossils found in western New Mexico. The dinosaur has been named Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis. Although it lived many millions of years before T. rex, it was closely related to it and around the same size.
A life reconstruction of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis with the contemporaneous chasmosaur Sierraceratops in the background. Picture credit: Sergey Krasovskiy.
Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis
The study, published in “Scientific Reports” postulates that the ancestors of T. rex originated in southern Laramidia. Where and when the tyrannosaur lineage that includes T. rex and its closest relatives evolved remains unclear. It had been thought that these theropods originated in Asia, or perhaps at more northerly latitudes of Laramidia. The identification of fossils representing a giant, 12-metre-plus tyrannosaur suggests that large-bodied, apex predators evolved alongside other exceptionally large dinosaurs at lower latitudes.
The researchers examined a partial skull (NMMNH P-3698), that had been excavated from a location in Sierra County, New Mexico. The fossil material consisted of a right postorbital and squamosal, along with a left palatine, a fragmentary maxilla and elements from the lower jaws including the left dentary. The fossils come from Hall Lake Formation (McRae Group). Uranium to lead (U/Pb) isotope analysis of a layer some thirty metres below the tyrannosaur fossil site is dated to 73.2 mya plus or minus 0.7 million years. This indicates that Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis predates T. rex by approximately 6-7 million years.
Cranial elements of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis (NMMNH P-3698). Right postorbital in (A), lateral view; (B), medial view; (C), dorsal view. Right squamosal in (D), lateral view; (E), medial view; (F), ventral view. Note scale bars = 10 cm. Picture credit: Dalman et al.
The skull bones, previously assigned to T. rex are currently on display at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS).
The left dentary of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis (NMMNH P-3698) in media view (A), lateral view (B) and dorsal view (C). The right spenial in medial view (D) and (E) the right angular in medial view. The right prearticular is shown in medial view (F). Note scale bar = 20 cm. Picture credit: Dalman et al.
Older and More Primitive than Tyrannosaurus rex
While the new discovery predates T. rex, the paper notes that subtle differences in the jaw bones make it unlikely that T. mcraeensis was a direct ancestor. However, it is assigned to the Tyrannosaurini tribe, which is defined by the authors as the last common ancestor of the Asian Tarbosaurus bataar and Tyrannosaurus rex and all its descendants.
Contributing authors on the study include researchers from the University of Bath (UK), NMMNHS, University of Utah, The George Washington University, Harrisburg University, Penn State Lehigh Valley, and the University of Alberta.
Ironically, it was the examination of horned dinosaur fossils from the same palaeoenvironment that led to the discovery of a new Tyrannosaurus species. In 2013, then-student Sebastian Dalman began to re-examine ceratopsian fossils, it led to a broader rethink about the dinosaur fauna associated with the McRae Group.
Dalman commented:
“I started working on this project in 2013 with co-author Steve Jasinski and soon we started to suspect we were on to something new.”
Careful Comparison with T. rex Skull Fossils
Analysis of the skull material revealed subtle, but unique traits relating to their morphology and articulation. Careful comparison with T. rex skull fossils led the research team to conclude that these bones did not represent Tyrannosaurus rex. This was something new.
Comparing skull bones of the newly described Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis and Tyrannosaurus rex. Variation in the postorbitals (A–F), dentaries (G–K) and splenials (M–Q) of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis (A, G, M) and Tyrannosaurus rex (B–F, H–L, N–Q). Scale bars = 10 cm. Picture credit: Dalman et al.
As T. rex is known from multiple individuals, it is possible to show that T. mcraeensis lies outside of the range of individual variation seen in T. rex.
Co-author of the paper, Dr Anthony Fiorillo, Executive Director of NMMNHS explained:
“New Mexicans have always known our state is special, now we know that New Mexico has been a special place for tens of millions of years. This study delivers on the mission of this museum through the science-based investigation of the history of life on our planet.”
Size estimates for Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis put it in the same bracket as the famous and geologically younger T. rex. It is thought to have measured around twelve metres in length.
Fellow author of the paper, Dr Nick Longrich (Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath) added:
“The differences are subtle, but that’s typically the case in closely related species. Evolution slowly causes mutations to build up over millions of years, causing species to look subtly different over time.”
Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis and the Origins of T. rex
The identification of a new Tyrannosaurus from New Mexico raises the intriguing possibility that there are several more new tyrannosaur discoveries yet to be made.
Co-author Dr Spencer Lucas (Palaeontology Curator at the NMMNHS) stated:
“Once again, the extent and scientific importance of New Mexico’s dinosaur fossils becomes clear. Many new dinosaurs remain to be discovered in the state, both in the rocks and in museum drawers!”
Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis expands our understanding of tyrannosaurs in several ways. Firstly, it suggests that the apex predators lived in what is now the southern United States at least 72 million years ago. Secondly, the Tyrannosaurus genus likely originated in southern North America then later expanded into much of the western portion of the continent.
Phylogenetic analysis supports this hypothesis. The analysis places T. mcraeensis as sister taxon to T. rex and suggests the Tyrannosaurini tribe originated in southern Laramidia.
Size, relationships and biogeography of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis. (A), relative sizes of Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis (NMMNH P-3698) and Tyrannosaurus rex known as “Sue” (FMNH PR 2081) and the type specimen (CM 9380). An evolutionary tree based on Bayesian tip-dated phylogeny and biogeographic analysis. Picture credit: Dalman et al.
Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis Raises More Questions
The skull fossils assigned to T. mcraeensis suggest that larger, more robust and powerful tyrannosaurs evolved in the southern United States compared to the smaller and more primitive tyrannosaurs found further north.
For reasons as yet unknown, dinosaurs may have evolved to larger sizes in lower latitudes in North America. This body condition pattern is not seen in modern mammals. This newly described tyrannosaur was part of an ecosystem dominated by super-sized dinosaurs. For example, the giant chasmosaur Sierraceratops turneri was contemporaneous. In addition, the titanosaur Alamosaurus and an as yet, undescribed giant hadrosaur shared this palaeoenvironment.
Dinosaurs of the Campanian-Maastrichtian Hall Lake Formation. Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis (NMMNH P-3698), the horned dinosaur Sierraceratops turneri, a giant but as yet undescribed hadrosaurid and the titanosaur Alamosaurus. Picture credit: Dalman et al.
Giant tyrannosaurs were able to spread north during the Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous. The reasons for this migration remain unclear. Perhaps the northward spread of giant herbivores such as Triceratops and Torosaurus created a food source that could be exploited by the very biggest tyrannosaurs.
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Bath in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “A giant tyrannosaur from the Campanian–Maastrichtian of southern North America and the evolution of tyrannosaurid gigantism” by Sebastian G. Dalman, Mark A. Loewen, R. Alexander Pyron, Steven E. Jasinski, D. Edward Malinzak, Spencer G. Lucas, Anthony R. Fiorillo, Philip J. Currie and Nicholas R. Longrich published in Scientific Reports.
Images of the new Nanmu Studio giant ape model has been released. The latest figure is “King of the Giant Apes”, the ape is entitled “Fury”. This is a limited-edition, polymer resin model. The giant ape figure includes a stunning display base.
The Nanmu Studio new for 2024 King of the Giant Apes resin replica.
“King of the Giant Apes”
The model plays homage to the famous movie gorilla “King Kong”. Numerous films and franchises have been developed since the original RKO Pictures film was released in 1933. The creation of the character is credited to the American Merian Caldwell Cooper who produced and directed the film. The stop-motion animation was undertaken by special effects pioneer Willis H. O’Brien.
The limited-edition Nanmu Studio “King of the Giant Apes” known as Fury.
The figure bears the scars of many fights with other monstrous animals. It is depicted roaring and throwing a punch.
Tale of the Tape – Model Measurements
The “King of the Giant Apes” is in the Nanmu Studio limited-edition “Dragon Soul” series. Only five hundred figures are being commissioned. The model on its display base stands around 23 cm high (9 inches). The box dimensions for the figure are 31 x 15.2 x 32 cm.
Only five hundred figures are being produced.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that if the documentation and paperwork for export get sorted, then these figures should be in stock in the spring (2023).
Whilst preparing a YouTube video on the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus model, we frequently consulted one of our favourite dinosaur books. “Dinosaurs of the British Isles” by Dr Dean Lomax and Nobumichi Tamura first went into print about ten years ago. It is a comprehensive overview of dinosaurs from Britain. Around a hundred different genera are discussed.
We like this informative book so much that we made a YouTube short about it.
A YouTube short about the book “Dinosaurs of the British Isles” by Dean Lomax and Nobumichi Tamura.
Video credit: Everything Dinosaur
Published by Siri Scientific Press this fantastic dinosaur book is available here: Siri Scientific Press.
When on the Siri Scientific Press website, just search for Dean Lomax and you will find the dinosaur book.
Recommending a Favourite Dinosaur Book
The book contains a foreword by the renowned British palaeontologist Professor Paul Barrett. It then outlines the early history of palaeontology in the UK highlighting the contributions of Mary Anning, the Reverend William Buckland and Richard Owen. Chapters are dedicated to different geological periods during the Mesozoic and the reader is taken from the Early Triassic to end of the age of dinosaurs.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that they were preparing a video on the CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus figure, and the book provided helpful information. “Dinosaurs of the British Isles” provides a unique account of dinosaur discoveries from the UK. The text and photographs of the fossils associated with Polacanthus foxii proved to be extremely helpful when devising the video script.
The new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Polacanthus is a remarkable dinosaur model. It challenges perceptions concerning this armoured dinosaur. The model is devoid of pre sacral spines and there are spines on the upper arm of the model. Everything Dinosaur team members set out to understand the science behind this prehistoric animal figure.
The new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Polacanthus figure.
The spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised “Dinosaurs of the British Isles” and commented:
“The book is ten years old, but it still provides a detailed overview of the history of British dinosaurs. The beautiful pictures of fossils, particularly those of Polacanthus and other armoured dinosaurs provided invaluable assistance as we prepared our Polacanthus video script.”
The spokesperson went onto add:
“We highly recommend this book, it provides the first, comprehensive account on the dinosaurs of the British Isles.”
Everything Dinosaur will be stocking the new Rebor Dire wolf models. There are two colour variants of Aenocyon dirus. The “low roar” plain version and a colour variant that resembles an extant Gray wolf “Havallagata” version. Each figure will be supplied with three interchangeable heads.
The Rebor 1:11 scale Dire Wolf replica “low roar” in the plain colouration.
Rebor Dire Wolf “Low Roar” Plain
The Rebor Dire Wolf “low roar” has an intriguing colouration. It reminds us of the Gray wolf subspecies known as the Steppe Wolf (Canis lupus campestris), or perhaps the coat is painted to represent the critically endangered Red wolf (Canis rufus) of the southeastern United States. It is a beautiful model, and it is in approximately 1:11 scale. These models will work well with the recently introduced Rebor Smilodon populator figures.
Each Rebor Dire wolf model is supplied with three interchangeable heads.
The Dire wolf figure can be displayed with its mouth closed or snarling or with its mouth fully open.
To view the current range of Rebor models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Models and Figures.
Rebor Dire Wolf “Havallagata” Nord Version
The second colour variant is the “Havallagata” Nord version. It represents a Dire wolf in 1:11 scale. However, it could also depict a giant wolf in 1:18 scale, perhaps something similar to the fearsome animals which featured in the Game of Thrones television series.
The Rebor Dire wolf “Havallagata” Nord version.
The “Havallagata” Nord version is also supplied with three interchangeable heads. Collectors can display their figure snarling, or with the mouth open or closed.
Each wolf will measure around 18.5 cm in length. The height the figures is estimated at 9 cm.
Dire Wolf (Aenocyon dirus)
The Dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) is a recently extinct member of the dog family. It has an extensive fossil record, mainly from the Americas. An apex predator and hypercarnivore, it probably specialised in hunting Pleistocene megaherbivores. It became extinct around 9,500 years ago. Palaeontologists have suggested that climate change, the decline of prey species or competition from other predators including humans could have been factors in the animal’s extinction.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised the Rebor Dire wolf models.
The spokesperson added:
“We are not aware of many Dire wolf figures. Congratulations to Rebor for making such splendid models. Both these Dire wolf figures will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few weeks.”
A new scientific paper published this week postulated that Nanotyrannus (N. lancensis) is a valid taxon. The study was published in the journal “Fossil Studies”. Several lines of scientific enquiry were explored, and the researchers concluded the fossil material ascribed to Nanotyrannus probably did not represent examples of juvenile T. rex.
One of the authors of the study is Dr Nicholas Longrich of the University of Bath. The other author is fellow palaeontologist Dr Evan Saitta, a PhD graduate of the University of Bristol and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago.
Everything Dinosaur team members created a short video to highlight this research.
Is Nanotyrannus (N. lancensis) a valid taxon? A new scientific study suggests that it is. Video credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The debate surrounding the validity of Nanotyrannus is likely to continue. Indeed, this taxon has attracted controversy ever since it was first formally erected in 1946 (Gilmore). However, model manufacturers have produced Nanotyrannus figures. For example, in 2021 PNSO introduced “Logan the Nanotyrannus” and Safari Ltd have made a Dino Dana Nanotyrannus (see below).
The Dino Dana Nanotyrannus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Safari Ltd.
Dinosaur fans and model collectors can discuss the validity of this taxon and perhaps these tyrannosaurs can do battle with other tyrannosaur figures animals such as Tarbosaurus and of course Tyrannosaurus rex.
More than twenty Tyrannosaurus rex specimens have been described. Palaeontologists are aware that this dinosaur changed its body plan dramatically as it grew and matured. A juvenile T. rex had a proportionately much smaller head, a slender neck and longer legs than the adults. This change in body shape is so dramatic that in all likelihood, juveniles behaved very differently than mature animals. They also probably hunted in different ways.
It is as if adult and juvenile T. rex were different species. If this is the case, then juveniles occupied a very different niche in the ecosystem compared to the fully-grown tyrannosaurs. This helps to explain the confusion over the taxonomy of all the tyrannosaur specimens currently assigned to Nanotyrannus lancensis/Tyrannosaurus rex.
The scientific paper: “Taxonomic Status of Nanotyrannus lancensis (Dinosauria: Tyrannosauroidea) — A Distinct Taxon of Small-Bodied Tyrannosaur” by Nicholas R. Longrich and Evan T. Saitta published in Fossil Studies.
