In a remarkable discovery, Hong Kong has unearthed dinosaur fossils for the very first time. These ancient remains, found on the remote, northeastern Port Island, are believed to belong to a large, aged dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, a time spanning approximately 145 to 66 million years ago. This discovery marks a significant moment in Hong Kong’s geological history, offering a glimpse into a period long before the first humans walked the Earth.
Experts from both Hong Kong and mainland China have identified the fossils, with further analysis underway to pinpoint the exact species. The Development Bureau, in a statement, explained that the fossils were discovered within sedimentary rock on Port Island. This uninhabited islet, part of Hong Kong’s vast UNESCO Global Geopark, is renowned for its diverse geological formations.
The discovery sparked immediate excitement amongst the scientific community, as it provides valuable insight into the prehistoric past of this region. While Hong Kong’s modern landscape is primarily urban, this discovery reveals that the area was once home to towering dinosaurs during the Cretaceous period. The fossils, which will be unveiled to the public starting Friday, offer a captivating window into a bygone era.
Port Island has now been temporarily closed to facilitate further excavations and research. The findings promise to shed further light on the dinosaurs that once roamed this part of the world, adding another layer to our understanding of ancient life. With the discovery of these fossils, Hong Kong solidifies its position as a place where history, both recent and prehistoric, comes alive.