The famous Field Museum is throwing a dino-sized bash to celebrate SUE, the Tyrannosaurus rex's 25th anniversary as one of its most iconic exhibits. First introduced to the public on May 17, 2000, SUE is known for being the largest and most complete adult T. rex fossil in existence, according to CBS News Chicago. As part of the festivities, which kicked off Saturday, the museum presents a blend of educational activities and playful events.
Visitors were able to take part in a "Dino Derby" on the museum's North Lawn, with children dashing around in dinosaur costumes and adults going head-to-head in full inflatable T. rex suits. The event also included roaming dinosaur puppets and fossil preparation demonstrations, creating an interactive experience for visitors of all ages. As reported by CBS News Chicago, the Summer of SUE will continue through September with a host of other dino-centric celebrations, including PlayLab storytimes and a series of "Meet a Scientist" sessions.
SUE's bones tell a story of survival – from brutal injuries to an arthritic spine. "It’s the little things that really fascinate me," Kath Miller, a SUE admirer, told the Chicago Sun-Times. “The fact that her ribs are broken on the side, you can see some cartilage buildup. And the skull has little holes they say were probably caused by a parasitic infection,” she added.
The "Summer of SUE" event lineup includes playful components like a 'Party Like It's SUE-thousand' night, alongside intellectually stimulating sessions. For instance, Dr. Jingmai O'Conner is slated to discuss the enigma behind the holes in SUE's jaw during an August 8 "Meet a Scientist" event. A visit with Bill Simpson, part of the original team that secured SUE for the museum, is on deck for July, where he will dive into the acquisition and significance of SUE, knowledge dating back to his involvement in the 1997 Sotheby’s auction, as outlined by CBS News Chicago.
