Dr Erich Fitzgerald
Senior Curator
Vertebrate Palaeontology
Dr Erich Fitzgerald seeks out and studies the fossils of extinct marine mammals, the ancestors of today's whales, dugongs and seals. His work helps us understand not just how these animals evolved, but how their ocean environment has changed. By piecing together traces of the past, he’s able to contribute to a better understanding of the marine life in our oceans today.
But Erich’s job at the museum isn’t only about research, he’s also an integral part of developing exhibitions. His expertise has been key to bringing the world of the Triceratops alive for visitors to Melbourne Museum.
Erich’s always been interested in palaeontology—as a young child one of his favourite toys was a small Triceratops purchased from Melbourne Museum’s predecessor, the Museum of Victoria. On family holidays he’d take his toy to the beach to bury and dig up again, delighting in the thrill of discovery, just like a palaeontologist. Of course, young Erich could never have imagined that one day he’d play a part in the unearthing of a real Triceratops fossil.
