Sale of multimillion-dollar T rex skeleton is big headache for scientists
The upcoming auction of a rare T. rex skeleton named 'Gus' for an estimated $20m-$30m has sparked controversy among paleontologists. Scientists argue that the commercialization of such fossils by private collectors hinders scientific research and public access to natural history.
Why it matters
The sale highlights the ongoing tension between private ownership of significant scientific artifacts and the academic community's need for research access.
‘Gus’, a 3.8-metre-tall Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, at Sotheby's in New York./Getty Images ‘Gus’, a 3.8-metre-tall Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, at Sotheby's in New York./Getty Images Dinosaurs Sale of multimillion-dollar T rex skeleton is big headache for scientists Palaeontologists warn before auction at Sotheby’s in New York that super-rich collectors are harming research
Prefer the Guardian on Google With its dagger-like teeth, bone-crushing bite and behemothic size, the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex ruled western North America during the late Cretaceous period. Now its fossilised remains are about to dominate the auction house, with a price tag to terrify punters.
On Tuesday, one of the largest and most complete T rex skeletons discovered to date is to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York with an estimated sale price of $20m-$30m (£15m-£22.4m).
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