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Celebrating 33 Years: The Day SUE the Tyrannosaurus Rex Emerged from History's Depths
CHICAGO, IL — Three decades ago, in a remote corner of South Dakota, paleontologist Sue Hendrickson stumbled upon the scientific discovery that would
By Country Herald Science · 2023-08-12T17:09:47+00:00
CHICAGO, IL — Three decades ago, in a remote corner of South Dakota, paleontologist Sue Hendrickson stumbled upon the scientific discovery that would forever change our understanding of the king of the dinosaurs.
A Remarkable Discovery On August 12, 1990, while working with a crew in the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation, Hendrickson spotted fragments of bone eroding from a cliffside. Those pieces belonged to what is now known as SUE, the most complete, best preserved, and largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen ever discovered.
The Legacy of SUE Since her public unveiling, SUE has become a cultural icon and a vital scientific resource. Her skeleton has provided researchers with invaluable insights into the biology, behavior, and life history of one of history's most fascinating predators. Now housed at the Field Museum in Chicago, she continues to inspire wonder in millions of visitors each year, serving as a powerful bridge between the ancient past and the modern world.