Giant squid slips into Te Papa

PHIL REID/The Dominion Post

'THE KIDS ARE GOING TO LOVE IT': Te Papa conservator Robert Clendon makes the colossal squid comfortable in its new home. The public will be able to get close to the creature on December 13.

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Under cover of darkness and accompanied by a police escort, Wellington's colossal squid has slipped into its new home at Te Papa.

The 500-kilogram creature was hoisted on to a truck and moved from a Tory St storage depot to Te Papa at a stately 5kmh.

A couple of enthusiastic "squid fans" even turned up early yesterday to watch the move, Te Papa spokeswoman Jane Keig said.

Police stopped what little traffic there was at 4.30am to allow the squid safe passage.

It was a heavyweight mission. The 4.2-metre colossal squid weighs half a tonne and its special steel tank weighs 2 1/2 tonnes.

The squid was landed by the fishing boat San Aspiring in the Ross Sea in February 2007.

It was defrosted in May, attracting media interest from around the world.

The squid is now being prepared for a big unveiling on December 13, as the centrepiece of Te Papa's Mountains and Sea exhibition.

Visitors will be able to experience the underwater life of the colossal squid through a video display.

Te Papa conservator Robert Clendon said the tank was filled with preservative yesterday.

Before being readied for display, the squid was pored over by international scientists. It was found to have huge eyes - at 27 centimetres in diameter they are the biggest known on any creature.

Scientists also came across ovaries containing several thousand eggs.

The squid was looking a bit deflated yesterday but, before it goes on display, foam mounts will be inserted to expand the body.

The display case, thought to cost more than $100,000, was made by Palmerston North firm Etech.

Mr Clendon said the public would be able to get up close to the creature, which will be lit from beneath and covered with a clear perspex lid. "The kids are going to love it," he said.