Weighing an estimated 20 tons and growing to a length of 70 feet (21 meters), Jobaria tiguidensis wandered the open forests and boreal rivers of Cretaceous Niger 350 million years ago.

Now these giant plant-eating dinosaurs are roaming the halls of National Geographic Society headquarters. From April 5 through May 31, 2000, visit Explorers Hall and experience the full-size cast skeletons of an adult and juvenile Jobaria, and an adult Afrovenator. Afrovenator was a meat-eating theropod that preyed upon the Jobaria.

Toiling in temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C), a team led by paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Paul Sereno excavated tons of bone and rock on a 1997 expedition. They then spent two years cleaning and studying the bones of Jobaria. Afrovenator was discovered on a 1993 expedition in the Sahara.

Can’t make it to Washington, D.C., to see these creatures? Take a look at our iPIX images (color or black and white) to get up close and personal.

Nationalgeographic.com resources:
Dinosaur Hunters (video)
Explorers-in-Residence
Gigantic Plant-Eating Dinosaur (webcast)
Skeleton of New Dinosaur "Titan" Found in Madagascar (news)

Other resources:
Jobaria!
Project Exploration