A giant mammoth will be one of the awe-inspiring stars of the show when Earth Story opens at the Eden Project next Wednesday (July 24).

Standing at more than 3.5 metres, the model skeleton is now being installed in the Cave of Lost Giants in the Stage area at the home of the famous Biomes in Cornwall.

Earth Story will tell a compelling tale of life as we know it, leading visitors on a journey through the planet’s astonishing past, precarious present day – and a future that’s ours to make.

The mammoth is a dramatic symbol of species loss. The last of these massive beasts is thought to have died out around 4,000 years ago due to climate change, habitat loss and hunting.

With a visit to the Eden Field Base, visitors will also be able to meet a majestic mountain gorilla, and hear his incredible story.

Elsewhere they will be able to marvel at the magical Cabinets of Consequence, a stunning showcase of the intricate web of life that connects us all.

Exploring Wild Britain, they will discover the forgotten animals that roamed freely around our landscapes in the past – and find out about some that are making a comeback.

Visitors can hear about the plants and animals on the brink of being lost forever, and be inspired by people and projects from around the world that are working to save them.

Clambering through the tunnels and nets of the brand new play area known as the Minibeast Mansion will allow the under 10s to see the world from a new perspective. Visitors can also come face to face with a giant armadillo in the Lost Giants Safari, an incredible Virtual Reality Zone.

Families can take on the Beach Clean Up challenge to uncover what might be lurking in the sand, follow a trail to discover weird and wonderful plants and animals from across the globe, and join the Eden storytellers for a trip to a very unusual library.

Eden’s director of interpretation, Dr Jo Elworthy, said: “Coming face to face with a massive mammoth skeleton takes your breath away. Our ancestors lived on Earth the same time as this majestic creature and now the mammoths are all gone... forever.

“This heart-rending symbol brings into sharp focus how we need to - and indeed can - work together to save the creatures that are on the brink today, and there are many. Earth Story is a story of hope and how together we can all become Guardians of the Future.”

Jo added: “This is our most compelling summer programme yet. Get ready to marvel at the amazing diversity of Life on Earth. Visitors will be able to see first-hand how even the smallest of individual actions can make a difference, especially when we all work together for positive change.”

See the full story at www.edenproject.com