Most complete stegosaurus debuts in NYC

Most complete stegosaurus debuts in NYC
Most complete stegosaurus debuts in NYC

A remarkable new addition to the American Museum of Natural History was unveiled as "Apex," the most complete stegosaurus specimen ever discovered, made its public debut to an enthusiastic audience of schoolchildren. The impressive 3.4-meter-tall and 6-meter-long skeleton represents a significant milestone in paleontological history.

The fossil, which was discovered in Colorado, made headlines in July when it sold at Sotheby's for a record-breaking $44.6 million. The buyer has been identified as billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who has arranged a long-term loan to the New York museum and granted permission for scientific analysis of the specimen.

What makes Apex particularly exceptional is its remarkable completeness, with approximately 80% of its 320 bones preserved – an extraordinary feat for a creature that lived 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. The specimen is especially valuable to scientists because it appears to have died at an advanced age, potentially offering new insights into stegosaurus metabolism and bone growth.

Museum president Sean Decatur emphasized the significance of this acquisition, noting that of more than 80 known stegosauri specimens in scientific institutions, very few are substantially complete. The museum's research plans include CT scans of the skull and analysis of samples from the dinosaur's thigh bones.

The herbivorous dinosaur, known for its distinctive spiny back plates and tail spikes, was discovered by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper near Dinosaur, Colorado. The purchase price surpassed the previous record of $31.8 million paid for "Stan," a Tyrannosaurus rex, in 2020.

The specimen will initially be displayed in the museum's main atrium before being relocated to the permanent fossil halls next year, where it will continue to inspire visitors and contribute to scientific research.