In the vast landscape of South Dakota, a chance encounter between a cattle rancher and a paleontologist led to the discovery of one of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found. Named Gus, this fossil is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's in New York City, potentially becoming the world's most expensive fossil. But the sale of Gus raises a deeper question: who should own and steward these precious specimens, and how can we ensure their preservation for future generations?
The Licking ranch, nestled within the Hell Creek Formation, has long been a treasure trove for dinosaur enthusiasts. Gary "Gus" Licking, the rancher, had always suspected his land held something special, and his suspicions were confirmed when he met Thomas Heitkamp, a commercial paleontologist. Heitkamp and his team discovered Gus in 2021, and Licking was able to see the skeleton in its full glory before his passing.
At 38 feet in length and 12.5 feet tall, Gus is an impressive specimen, with a skull measuring 54 inches. It is about 61% complete by bone count, or 75% to 80% complete by mass, and includes 183 fossil bone elements. The auction house Sotheby's estimates that Gus will go for up to $30 million, but the true value may be even higher, as the current record holder for a fossil auction sold for $44.6 million.
What makes Gus particularly fascinating is the fact that it is one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever found. The skull has about 82% of the original bones represented, and the skeleton includes rarely found components such as the wishbone, a complete pelvis, and both feet. The fossil also shows bite marks and evidence of fractures that the dinosaur survived, adding to its scientific significance.
However, the sale of Gus is bound to spark controversy. Most researchers will refuse to formally study a privately held specimen, and the auction is destined to reignite the debate about fossil auctions and the potential disappearance of T. rex skeletons from the public realm. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) firmly opposes fossil sales, arguing that ownership and stewardship are increasingly at odds, and science is usually the loser.
The SVP mandates its members study only specimens held in publicly accessible collections, as this is the only way that other scientists can access the same specimens for further study. However, when a fossil ends up in private hands, its future is uncertain. Some fossils are loaned to institutions such as museums, while remaining privately owned, while others wind up in private collections and disappear from the public realm.
The discussion around fossil auctions is often framed as a debate about ownership, when it is really a discussion about stewardship. Scientifically significant fossils are non-renewable records of Earth's history, and every one of these specimens represents information that can never be recreated once it is lost or becomes inaccessible. Specimens of scientific importance should be permanently curated in institutions that guarantee access for future researchers and the public.
The urgency of retrieving fossils such as Gus is underscored by the fact that there are only so many paleontologists in the world who have the time and resources to excavate and study these specimens. If these fossils are not excavated, they are lost, and the information they contain can never be recovered.
In conclusion, the sale of Gus raises important questions about ownership and stewardship of scientifically significant fossils. While the auction of Gus may be a fascinating development in the world of paleontology, it is crucial to ensure that these precious specimens are preserved for future generations and that access to them is guaranteed for researchers and the public. Only then can we truly appreciate and understand the wonders of the natural world.
