Going Exetinct
Ever heard of the passenger pigeon? Or Steller’s sea cow? Most people haven’t — and at Exetinct, we believe that’s largely a problem of delivery.
Some of the most important stories are also the hardest to tell. Extinction matters, but black‑and‑white photos and cautionary tales rarely leave a lasting impression. That’s why we combine professional teaching expertise, deep subject knowledge, and striking, tactile props to bring these lost species — and their lessons — to life for audiences of all ages. Through physical models, dynamic presentations, and hands‑on interaction, we create experiences that resonate long after the session ends.
If you’re looking for an event designed to spark curiosity and ignite passion, explore our full range of options below.
Not after a talk? We also run workshops where participants can learn model‑building and painting techniques, giving them a creative way to connect with the past.
Who Is Presenting?
While there are many guest speakers out there, there’s only one Joe at Exetinct — and he’s the real deal.
Joe holds a Master of Education from the University of Exeter and has formal training in teaching. His academic background spans geology, palaeontology, and psychology, and he also works professionally as a project manager within a natural resources team.
He has spent over a decade producing art, learning from industry special effects legends behind such films as Jurassic Park, Reign of Fire, The Shape of Water, and Aliens among others.
Joe has travelled across continents visiting Natural History institutions — some of which now display his work. He regularly attends major events, including the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s annual conference, to stay current with new research and discoveries he can pass on to audiences.
And, for a bit of unexpected flair, he’s also a trained alligator handler.
Humans and Extinction
This experience includes a presentation exploring three species—selected from a choice of six—and the ways human activity contributed to each extinction. Each segment covers the species’ cultural significance, historical context, and the wider impact of its disappearance.
Every session features tactile props, a pre‑written presentation for your approval, and a curated list of further reading for attendees who want to dive deeper.
Presentations run for 30–45 minutes and are available for the following age groups:
Primary (ages 4–11) — KS1 & KS2
Secondary (ages 11–18) — KS3 & KS4
Adults
The Dinosaur Talks
Dinosaurs — perhaps the most iconic creatures ever to walk, swim, or fly across our planet. Each presentation includes tactile props, a pre‑written script for your approval, and suggested further reading for those who want to explore the topic in more depth.
You already know the classics: Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Stegosaurus. But this experience goes further, guiding audiences through some of the most remarkable recent discoveries as well as the strange, fascinating, and often overlooked members of this incredibly diverse group.
Presentation themes vary and can be tailored to three distinct age demographics. Current options include:
Colour and Feathers: Dinosaurs of the Past and Present
The Titans: The Largest Animals to Walk the Earth
Weird and Wonderful: Dinosaurs
Each presentation runs for 30–45 minutes and is available for the following age groups:
Primary (ages 4–11) — KS1 & KS2
Secondary (ages 11–18) — KS3 & KS4
Adults
Palaeoart Workshop
Host a palaeoart workshop featuring your choice of subjects to paint. We’ll provide the models, materials, and a fun, accessible walkthrough of key painting techniques to help participants bring their creations to life.
For the best experience, we recommend limiting the group to around 20 participants.
Expected duration: 1 to 1.5 hours