A chance encounter led to one of the largest T. rexes ever found. Now, it could be 'lost to science'
The story of the discovery of the 'Gus' T. rex skeleton is a fascinating one, filled with adventure, controversy, and a deep sense of urgency. It highlights the complex relationship between ownership, science, and the preservation of our natural heritage.
The Discovery and the Find
Gary "Gus" Licking, a cattle rancher in South Dakota, had always suspected his land was hiding something big. His ranch sits within the Hell Creek Formation, a legendary geological boneyard that has yielded some of the most famous dinosaurs, including the first T. rex skeleton found in 1902. Licking had found dinosaur teeth and bones over the years, but it wasn't until he met Thomas Heitkamp, a commercial paleontologist, that his dream of a significant discovery became a reality.
Heitkamp and his team discovered Gus on Licking's land in 2021. Licking had single-handedly identified the skeleton's approximate location, but he died before the excavation was completed. Gus is an almost-complete T. rex skeleton, measuring 38 feet in length and 12.5 feet tall, with a skull measuring 54 inches. It includes 183 fossil bone elements, making it about 61% complete by bone count, or 75-80% complete by mass.
The Auction and the Debate
The skeleton is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's in New York City, with an estimated price tag of up to $30 million. This sale has sparked controversy because it represents a paleontological predicament: the tension between ownership and stewardship, where science often suffers. The majority of T. rex skeletons are already in private hands, and the sale of Gus could further exacerbate this issue.
Critics argue that when fossils end up in private hands, their future is uncertain. Some are loaned to museums, while others remain in private collections and disappear from public view. The SVP, an organization that opposes fossil sales, mandates its members to study only publicly accessible specimens to ensure that other scientists can access them for further study. Stuart Sumida, a professor and SVP member, warns that fossils sold into private hands are often lost to science, as they are never subjected to proper scientific study.
The Value of Gus
Gus is a valuable find for several reasons. It is one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever found, with a skull that has about 82% of the original bones represented. The skeleton includes rarely found components such as the wishbone, a complete pelvis, and both feet. Sotheby's estimates that Gus will go for up to $30 million, but this amount is likely a conservative number, as the record holder for a fossil auction, Apex the Stegosaurus, sold for $44.6 million.
The Dilemma of Ownership vs. Stewardship
The debate around fossil auctions often revolves around ownership, but Kristi Curry Rogers, a professor and SVP vice president, argues that it is a discussion about stewardship. She emphasizes that scientifically significant fossils are non-renewable records of Earth's history, and their preservation is crucial for future generations of scientists. Museums and public institutions can play a vital role in unearthing and studying these fossils, but they need the support and cooperation of private landowners.
The Way Forward
The SVP suggests a scientific equivalent of the Giving Pledge, encouraging the world's super-wealthy to commit a portion of their fortunes to philanthropic causes and charitable organizations. This could help ensure that fossils like Gus are properly studied and made accessible to the public. David Hone, a paleontologist, agrees that private landowners have the option to involve museums in the excavation process, making the fossils available for scientific study and public display.
Conclusion
The discovery of Gus highlights the urgency of retrieving and preserving fossils before they are lost to time. It also underscores the need for a balanced approach to fossil auctions, where ownership and stewardship can coexist. By valuing both aspects, we can ensure that these ancient creatures continue to teach us about our planet's history and inspire future generations.
