Re-created from fossils, the fur coated mammal stands on its hind legs with outstretched paws and its head almost touching the ceiling of the room in which it is housed at the National Museum. It is surrounded by a replica of the forest, with accompanying wild animals and exotic flowers. The giant sloth, thought to be one of the largest mammals that walked the earth died during the ice age. It is believed that it originated in the tropical rainforest in South America with an average height of 15 feet, and weighed approximately three tonnes.
Bones of the sloth were discovered by miners around Omai and the Oko Creek, Cuyuni River, in 1999. The bones found at Oko Creek were donated to the National Museum by Michael Vieira.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Eerepami Regenwaldstiftiftung, of Germany, officially declared opened the Megatherium Giant Sloth exhibition.
This giant artifact, which costs approximately $10 M, will inspire many persons, especially students around the country as they would be able to appreciate the wonderful fauna that existed for over 10,000 years.
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds who was present at this historic occasion, officially launched the artifact.
He said that he is proud of this achievement of the Ministry of Culture and thanked the generous sponsors who contributed to the creation of the giant creature.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that he wanted to make this new project available to the public in a way that is engaging and full of fun.
Since Guyana has a large biodiversity, it can become a frontier for such giant species.
Founder and Chairman of the Board of Eerepami Regenwaldstiftiftung, Germany, Sven Ullrich, said he is honoured that he and his country, Germany, had a chance to participate in a project that directs the people to the richness of Guyana.
Ullrich said he is pleased to awaken the interest of children and their fascination for the natural environment.
Chief Executive Officer of  GBTI, John Tracey, congratulated Minister Anthony and his team for this magnificent exhibit and for creating yet another historical attraction for the country.
Ministry Anthony said that the Ministry will continue to embrace the current and new partners as they pioneer new research into the past, and hope that they can add new information to increase human knowledge.
This discovery has brought the country under the radar of paleontologists and other prehistoric research bodies, and goes well for the goal of expanding the eco-tourism environment.
Megatherium was a gigantic ground sloth that weighed as much as an African elephant with huge claws.  (GINA)