Interviews with inanimate objects: Tyrannosaurus Rex

What’s your name?
I don’t really have a name. However, the museum technician calls me Rexy, which is the name of the major Tyrannosaurus Rex specimen on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, of which I am a replica. That Rexy was also featured in the movie Night at the Museum. I can see why—what an attractive dinosaur!

When did you get here?
Well, I’ve been around for about 66 million years. But I came to this museum in 1986, when the Geology Building and museum were constructed. Since then, I’ve wowed and greeted close to half a million people—students, staff and museum visitors alike.

Where did you live previously?
My family and I were located throughout the western section of what is now called North America—Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montana, Colorado and South Dakota. I myself am actually a conglomerate of two different skeletal finds, discovered in northern Montana in 1902.

What sorts of shenanigans have you witnessed in your time on campus?
Once, one of my claws went missing. It was returned three years later, a little worse for wear but still usable. I was happy to see it again. Another time, a group of students dressed me up as Mr. T for Halloween.

How do you stay in such great shape?
At about 12 feet high and 40 feet long, the biggest obstacle to looking good is dust. So I’m dusted a few times a year to get rid of any unsightly build-up, and wiped down with Murphy Oil every five years to keep my bones shiny and luminous.

What is the best part about being at the U of S?
I love seeing the looks on people’s faces when they see me, especially kids.

What is your favourite food?
Meat. Back in my prime, I could catch other dinosaurs because I could run at about 16 miles per hour and fit about 500 pounds worth of flesh in my four-foot jaw in one bite. That said, the coffee from the nearby Tim Hortons smells pretty good, too.

  

Information provided by Sue Johnson, Museum of Natural Sciences, College of Arts and Science