Elasmosaurus (Safari)

Dive into prehistoric oceans with this detailed Elasmosaurus model from Safari Ltd. Elasmosaurus was a giant plesiosaur that swam in the shallow seas covering central North America about 80 million years ago. With its long neck, small head, paddle-like flippers, and short tail, this marine reptile was built for life underwater.

Elasmosaurus was first described in 1868 by famed paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope. In his rush to publish, Cope made a famous blunder—he mistakenly placed the skull on the end of the tail instead of the neck! Realizing his error, he tried to recall his published work to correct it, ensuring future generations pictured Elasmosaurus correctly.

Scientific Name: Elasmosaurus (“thin plate lizard”)—a reference to the plate-like bones of its hip.

At nearly 50 feet long and weighing about three tons, Elasmosaurus was among the largest plesiosaurs. Its long, flexible neck helped it snap up fish with quick strikes, while its four powerful flippers rowed it through the water. The short tail likely acted as a rudder, helping it steer through its ocean home.

The Safari Ltd. Elasmosaurus toy measures 10 inches long and 4.75 inches wide.

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