Samson T-Rex at OMSI

SAMSONSM: The Colossal T. rex Discovery

Now on exhibit through Sept. 6, 2010

A magnificent 40-foot fossil of one of Earth's most fearsome carnivores is now on display in the Earth Science Hall. The 66-million-year-old skeleton known as SAMSON* is one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons in existence. 56% of SAMSON's original bones, including the nearly complete skull, is on display. SAMSON is smaller but close in length to the T. rex known as Sue, the largest T. rex yet discovered.


History

Mike Zimmershied discovered SAMSON in 1987 on his father's ranch south of Buffalo, South Dakota. The site was fully excavated in 1992. SAMSON, which was recently sold to a private buyer through Bonhams & Butterfields Natural History Department, is on loan to OMSI through a private donor and with the support of local supporting sponsors Comcast, the Science Channel, and Discovery Education. SAMSON is on display through summer 2010.

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