A chance encounter led to one of the largest T. rexes ever found. Now, it could be ‘lost to science’
The story of the discovery of the 'Gus' T. rex skeleton is a fascinating one, blending elements of adventure, science, and ethics. It began with Gary "Gus" Licking, a cattle rancher in South Dakota, who had always suspected his land held something special. His ranch is situated within the Hell Creek Formation, a geological treasure trove known for its rich fossil record, particularly of Tyrannosaurus rex.
In 2021, Thomas Heitkamp, a commercial paleontologist, and his team discovered Gus on Licking's land. This find was significant for several reasons. Firstly, Gus is one of the largest T. rexes ever found, measuring 38 feet in length and 12.5 feet tall, with a 54-inch skull. It is approximately 61% complete by bone count and 75-80% complete by mass, making it one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever discovered.
The discovery also raises important ethical and scientific questions. The sale of Gus, likely into private hands, has sparked controversy. The issue at hand is the stewardship of fossils and the tension between ownership and science. Most researchers refuse to formally study privately held specimens, which could lead to Gus being 'lost to science.'
The SVP (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology) mandates that its members study only specimens held in publicly accessible collections. This is because private ownership makes it difficult for other scientists to access the same specimens for further study. Stuart Sumida, a professor of biology, emphasizes that when a fossil ends up in private hands, its future is uncertain, and it may never be subjected to proper scientific study.
The discovery of Gus also highlights the importance of commercial paleontologists. Heitkamp and his team spent years excavating and preparing the fossil, a process that would not have been possible without the prospect of a high-value sale. This raises questions about the role of commercial interests in paleontology and the potential for private ownership to hinder scientific progress.
The debate around fossil auctions is often framed as a debate about ownership, but Kristi Curry Rogers, a professor in biology and geology, argues that it is really a discussion about stewardship. Scientifically significant fossils should be permanently curated in institutions that guarantee access for future researchers and the public. This ensures that the information contained in these fossils is not lost and can be studied and appreciated by future generations.
The discovery of Gus serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between ownership and science. While the sale of fossils can generate significant financial rewards, it also raises ethical concerns about the preservation of scientific knowledge. The challenge is to find a solution that allows for the preservation of fossils while also ensuring their accessibility to the scientific community.
