Ben Francischelli

Ben is a Vertebrate Palaeontologist with a background in prehistoric ancient marine organisms of Australia’s southern coastline. As an avid participant of  palaeontological digs he has found evidence that is re-writing the known history of Port Phillip Bay including a new species of mega-toothed sharks (capable of eating baleen whales) and fossil evidence of the largest flying bird that ever existed. Ben is the science advisor for “Bayside Earth Sciences Society” and is creating a documentary series about the strange life of lesser-known animals that exist within Victoria.

Ben brings his passion for the strange biology of animals both past and present to the EcoCentre Education Team and is skilled in interpreting complicated science for diverse audiences. If Ben isn’t fossicking in the field or in the lab, he’s available for keynote and public speaking, panel discussions, media appearances and workshop facilitation.

Photo: Ben holding a 5.2 million year old beaked whale, representing a completely new species currently unknown to science

The EcoCentre acknowledges the Kulin Nations, including the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung language group, traditional owners of the land on which we are located.

We pay respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Elder members of our multicultural community.