In a remarkable development for paleontology and the field of natural history, a stegosaurus fossil, which holds the title of the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold, has found its new home at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This iconic specimen, purchased by billionaire Kenneth Griffin for a staggering $44.6 million during a summer auction, is set to be the centerpiece of the museum’s exhibits, having been loaned to the institution for a duration of four years.
The museum's president, Sean M. Decatur, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition in a recent interview. He mentioned the unique appeal of the stegosaurus, noting that it is a dinosaur that has captured the imagination of children worldwide. "It’s one of the dinosaurs that every kid knows how to draw," Decatur remarked, highlighting how the fossil not only fascinates the public but also serves as a significant specimen for scientific research.
The unveiling of the mounted stegosaurus, nicknamed Apex, took place on a Thursday morning with an audience comprising reporters, photographers, museum staff, and school children. The public will have the opportunity to view Apex starting Sunday, following the completion of its exhibition preparations. The selling of this exceptionally complete fossil at Sotheby’s auction was a groundbreaking event, marking a new pinnacle in the fossil market. Apex outbid the previous record-holder, a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, raising concerns among academic paleontologists about the potential impact of private collectors on the availability of significant specimens for research.
Billionaire Kenneth Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel, stated after the purchase that he wanted the specimen to be available to both scientists and the public. His commitment to ensuring the fossil's accessibility is reflected in his agreement to fund research on the specimen as part of the loan arrangement with the museum. This funding will facilitate the creation of 3D scans of the fossil, enhancing research opportunities for scientists worldwide. However, the broader academic community has expressed some trepidation about the long-term implications of such private acquisitions on scientific research, as ownership can often limit access.
Stuart Sumida, president of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, mentioned that his organization is currently examining the ethics surrounding privately owned fossils. They plan to issue a recommendation regarding these issues in the coming months, as the increasing commodification of fossils raises new challenges for the scientific community. The commercial fossil market has seen significant growth, notably triggered by high-profile sales like that of T. rex skeleton Stan in 2020 and now the stegosaurus Apex.
With a history that traces back to 150 million years ago in present-day Colorado, Apex was unearthed by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper in 2022. The fossil, measuring 11 feet in height and over 20 feet in length, may not be the most enormous dinosaur specimen in the museum, but its well-recognized form is expected to attract visitors and generate interest in ongoing paleontological research. Museum officials hope that Apex will contribute valuable data regarding the growth patterns and biology of stegosauruses, which have long intrigued scientists.
Regular access to Apex’s data is a crucial component of the loan agreement, as it emphasizes the museum's commitment to sharing findings with the scientific community. Curator Roger Benson has plans to conduct analyses that will enhance the understanding of stegosaurus growth and biology. In addition, the museum is set to create a replica cast of Apex for its exhibitions once the loan period concludes.
Griffin's choice to lend the stegosaurus to the American Museum of Natural History is particularly notable considering his existing partnerships with other institutions, including the Field Museum in Chicago. This collaboration signifies a bridge between commercial and academic paleontology, as both realms aim to promote scientific progress.
For the foreseeable future, Apex will be displayed prominently at the Gilder Center, situated near an atrium named in honor of Griffin's previous philanthropic contributions. Following its initial exhibition, the fossil will be relocated to a dedicated area within the museum's fossil halls, allowing countless visitors to marvel at this extraordinary specimen. —NYT
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