A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, nicknamed 'Gus', has been sold for a record-breaking $50 million (£37 million) at a Sotheby's auction, prompting an outcry from paleontologists who argue that scientifically significant fossils should remain accessible for public research and exhibition.
The 67-million-year-old specimen, excavated in South Dakota's Hell Creek Formation in 2021, is 61% complete and features a remarkably preserved skull with signs of inter-species combat. Standing 12.5 feet tall, the mounted skeleton was the centerpiece of the auction, attracting a private owner after a competitive bidding war.
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology issued a statement emphasizing that fossils of such scientific importance are "far more than rare collectibles." The organization advocates for the permanent curation of scientifically significant vertebrate fossils in accredited museums, universities, or public research institutions. This ensures continued availability for scientific investigation, education, and public display.
Scientists point out that crucial advancements in paleontology have often emerged years or even decades after a fossil was initially collected. Modern research techniques, such as high-resolution CT imaging and geochemical analyses, can reveal new information from specimens collected over a century ago. When these fossils remain in public collections, researchers can revisit them as scientific methods evolve, an opportunity that may be lost when fossils enter private ownership without provisions for long-term public access.
The growing commercial market for exceptional dinosaur fossils presents increasing challenges for museums and universities attempting to acquire specimens of paramount scientific importance. The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology encourages fossil finders, auction houses, and prospective buyers to collaborate with accredited public institutions to safeguard scientifically significant fossils for ongoing study and public benefit.
Experts at Sotheby's have defended the excavation and sale of 'Gus,' suggesting that private entities play a role in recovering fossils that might otherwise remain undiscovered. They contend that the specimen's high price reflects its importance and the considerable effort involved in its recovery. However, vertebrate paleontologists like Professor Richard Butler of the University of Birmingham have described the sale as "very concerning," stating that fossils not held in recognized museum collections are effectively "lost to research."