The Secret of Tyrannosaurus Unveiled
How fast could a Tyrannosaurus actually move? And what about all those other dinosaur species that seem to have vanished from our knowledge? Paleontologist Dr. David Horne explores these questions, shedding light on the biology of ancient predators. Recently, Tyrus talked with Dr. Horne, a well-known figure in paleontology, to challenge long-held misconceptions about dinosaurs perpetuated by Hollywood. This conversation touched on everything from the mechanics of a massive Tyrannosaurus rex hunting to the fascinating fact that feathers appeared before the dinosaurs themselves. It’s a deep dive into evolutionary paths that may have been overlooked.
In a separate but equally fascinating development, a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named “Gus” fetched an astonishing $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, making it the priciest dinosaur skeleton ever sold at auction. This sale significantly outpaced its estimate of $20 million to $30 million, thanks to a competitive bidding war that lasted around ten minutes, involving seven bidders—most of whom opted to remain anonymous.
According to sources, the winning bidders participated via phone. This auction marks a notable moment in paleontological history.
Cassandra Hutton, Sotheby’s vice chair and head of science and natural history, commented, saying that the achievement is a culmination of many years of effort, recognizing the dedication of Thomas Heitkamp and his team. She noted that Gus is not just a remarkable find but also a specimen that has been meticulously excavated and preserved. Great specimens that are handled right tend to see a positive market response.
Standing about 12.5 feet tall and 38 feet long, Gus is among the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus specimens found, according to Sotheby’s. The skeleton comprises 183 fossil bone elements, being around 61% complete, thus representing around 75% to 80% of the dinosaur’s original mass.
Interestingly, the skeleton also reveals insights into what Gus experienced throughout its life. Some ribs and abdominal bones show healing fractures, while bite marks on its skull suggest encounters with scavengers.
The journey to this record-setting sale began on a ranch situated in Harding County, South Dakota. Rancher Gary “Gus” Licking spent years locating small bones and teeth before collaborating with Thomas Heitkamp and his Theropod Explorers team to search for something larger. Licking directed his team to specific areas on his vast ranch, believing substantial fossils were buried below.
Tragically, Licking passed away in 2022, just a year after excavations started, leaving this incredible find named in his honor. However, unearthing Gus was no simple task. Sotheby’s reports that Heitkamp’s team dedicated three seasons to excavating the fossil, followed by years focused on cleaning and assembling the skeleton.
Hutton mentioned in a video that this was their longest project yet, involving consistent back-and-forth trips to oversee the entire process. Licking’s widow, Dana, expressed gratitude for the discovery, emphasizing that it could easily have been lost to time.
Heitkamp also highlighted the years of diligence required to unearth the giant predator. Ultimately, hard work paid off, resulting in a spectacular and well-preserved Tyrannosaurus specimen.
This high-profile sale has rekindled debate regarding the ownership of rare dinosaur fossils: should they remain in private hands or be housed in public museums? The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology strongly advocates for museum preservation, arguing that such specimens offer value for scientific research and public education.
The hope is that the new owner of Gus will recognize its extraordinary scientific significance and aim to donate it to a respected museum. Christie Curry Rogers, the Society’s incoming president, stated that maintaining public trust is crucial, especially when a piece of history holds such educational potential.
Gus not only broke auction records, but it also surpassed the previous mark set by the Stegosaurus skeleton Apex, which sold for $44.6 million in 2024. That specimen is now on long-term loan to the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Additionally, a Tyrannosaurus rex known as “Stan” sold for nearly $32 million in 2020.
