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 has sparked controversy, raising questions about ownership, stewardship, and the future of paleontological research. This article delves into the story of Gus, the complex issues surrounding fossil auctions, and the broader implications for science and society.
A Chance Discovery
Gary "Gus" Licking, a cattle rancher in South Dakota, had always suspected his land was hiding something significant. His ranch sits within the Hell Creek Formation, a legendary geological site known for its dinosaur fossils. 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 major discovery became a reality.
Heitkamp, the founder of Theropoda Expeditions, had been keeping an eye on Licking's ranch due to its location within the Hell Creek Formation. Heitkamp and his team discovered Gus in 2021, with Licking providing the approximate location of the skeleton. Unfortunately, Licking passed away before the excavation was completed, never getting to see the full glory of his land's discovery.
The Significance of Gus
At 38 feet in length and 12.5 feet tall, with a skull measuring 54 inches, Gus is one of the largest T. rexes ever found. It includes 183 fossil bone elements, making it about 61% complete by bone count, or 75-80% complete by mass. 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. Sotheby's estimates that Gus will go for up to $30 million, but the current record holder, Apex the Stegosaurus, sold for $44.6 million.
The Debate Over Fossil Auctions
The sale of Gus has reignited the debate over fossil auctions and the potential disappearance of T. rex skeletons from the public realm. The majority of these skeletons are already in private hands, and experts say ownership and stewardship are increasingly at odds, with science often the loser. When a fossil ends up in private hands, its future is uncertain, and proper scientific study becomes difficult.
Stuart Sumida, a professor of biology and president of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP), argues that selling fossils to private individuals can lead to them being lost to science. The SVP mandates its members study only specimens held in publicly accessible collections, ensuring other scientists can access them for further study. However, this is not guaranteed with private ownership.
The Role of Museums
David Hone, a paleontologist at Queen Mary University of London, suggests that museums or other public institutions could easily unearth specimens like Gus if only the landowners where these discoveries come up wished. These institutions could then put a professional paleontologist in charge of the excavation, ensuring proper scientific study and public access.
Kristi Curry Rogers, a professor in biology and geology at Macalester College and vice president of the SVP, emphasizes the importance of permanently curating scientifically significant fossils in institutions that guarantee access for future researchers and the public. This principle protects not only today's science but also the opportunities for future generations of scientists.
The Future of Fossil Auctions
With price tags of $30 million or more, no museum or other public institution can afford to participate in these auctions. However, public auctions like this one could be just the tip of the iceberg, with private sales achieving even higher prices. The discussion around fossil auctions is often framed as a debate about ownership, when it is really a discussion about stewardship.
Susannah Maidment, a fossil expert and senior researcher at London's Museum of Natural History, notes that the amount of money being spent on fossils could revolutionize the collections, facilities, and galleries of any museum or university. But the question remains: how can we ensure that these valuable specimens are accessible to all, not just the wealthiest individuals or institutions?
Conclusion
The story of Gus and the debate over fossil auctions raise important questions about the future of paleontological research and the role of museums and public institutions. As the price tags on these specimens continue to rise, it is crucial to find a balance between ownership and stewardship, ensuring that these valuable pieces of Earth's history are accessible to all who wish to study and appreciate them.
