Where: Dinoland, U.S.A.
Experience: Fun For Everyone, Indorr
The Dino Institute is the home of DINOSAUR, a thrill ride featuring a trip through time to the Late Cretaceous Period. Just outside the Institute is "Dino-Sue", a casting of a Tyrannosaurus rex fossil that is the most complete yet found. Dino Sue is an exact replica of the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found. More than 90 percent of her bones have been accounted for. The replica is 40 feet long and 13 feet tall.
Named after fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson, the 67 million-year-old skeleton is one of the most famous fossils of the century because it adds tremendous information to what little is known about the species. During her lifetime in the Late Cretaceous Period (67-35 million years ago) Sue weighed seven tons and measured 42 feet in length, making her the largest T.Rex yet discovered.
Touring Tips
- This walk-by attraction never has a line. Visit and enjoy anytime for however long you enjoy examining dinosaur skeletons.
- Pose for pictures with the 13-foot tall, 40-foot long reproduction of the largest, most complete T-Rex ever found. Clocking in at 67 million years, Dino-Sue is the length of a 4-story building.
Facts
- The replica of Sue, excavated in the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1990, is fittingly on display in DinoLand U.S.A., at the entrance to DINOSAUR, a high-speed attraction that sends guests back to the age of the dinosaurs.
- Chicago's Field Museum purchased the skeleton at public auction in 1997 with financial support from Walt Disney World Resort, McDonald's Corporation, the California State University system, and private individuals.
- Following its discovery, paleontologists from the Field Museum began work on preparing the bones for eventual exhibit in Chicago.
- A large part of the bonework was actually done "on-stage" and in front of guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom by a three-member team from the museum.
- Named after fossil hunter Susan Hendrickson, the 67 million-year-old skeleton is one of the most famous fossils of the century because it adds tremendous information to what little is known about the species.
History
Sue the dinosaur is named after fossil hunter Sue Hendrickson, who discovered the 67 million-year-old skeletal remains of a Tyrannosaurus Rex in the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1990. It is one of the most famous fossil finds of the century.
With more than 90 percent of Dinosaur Sue's bones accounted for, the find brought forth a tremendous amount of information to what little is known about the species.
During the summer of 1990, a group of workers from the Black Hills Institute, located in Hill City, searched for fossils at the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, in western South Dakota near the city of Faith. By the end of the summer, the group had discovered Edmontosaurus bones and was ready to leave. However, before the group could depart, on August 12, a tire on their truck was deflated. While the rest of the group went into town to repair the truck, Sue Hendrickson decided to explore the nearby cliffs that the group had not checked. As she was walking along the base of a cliff, she discovered some small pieces of bone. She looked above her to see where the bones had originated, and observed larger bones protruding from the wall of the cliff. She returned to camp with two small pieces of the bones and reported the discovery to the president of the Black Hills Institute, Peter Larson. He determined that the bones were from a T. rex by their distinctive contour and texture. Later, closer examination of the site showed many visible bones above the ground and some articulated vertebrae. The crew ordered extra plaster and, although some of the crew had to depart, Susan and a few other workers began to uncover the bones. The group was excited, as it was evident that much of the dinosaur had been preserved. Previously discovered T. rex skeletons were usually missing over half of their bones. It was later ascertained that Sue was a record 80 percent complete. Scientists believe that this specimen was covered by water and mud soon after its death which prevented other animals from carrying away the bones. Additionally, the rushing water mixed the skeleton together. When the fossil was found, the hip bones were above the skull, and the leg bones were intertwined with the ribs. The large size and the excellent condition of the bones were also surprising. The skull was nearly five feet long, and most of the teeth were still intact. After the group completed excavating the bones, each vertebra was covered in burlap and coated in plaster, followed by a transfer to the offices of The Black Hills Institute where preparators began to clean the bones.