Home Sweet Home for T-rex Known as 'Samson'
Shortly following Bonhams & Butterfields' successful auction of Natural
History at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, 'Samson,' one
of the largest known Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever discovered, has
found a new home, after what can only be described as tremendous
interest from institutional parties and private buyers worldwide.
Thomas Lindgren, Co-Director of Natural History, reported that: "Bonhams
& Butterfields was very pleased by the post-auction interest and
ultimate sale price, and we expect 'Samson' to be displayed publicly in
the future."
The rare 66-million year old Tyrannosaurus skeleton - dubbed "Samson" -
is one of the three most complete specimens to have been discovered.
Native to North America, Tyrannosaurus rex is recognized as the 'Tyrant
Lizard King' and is the most famous of the behemoths of the "Age of
Dinosaurs." This rare example from the Cretaceous period was excavated
near Buffalo, South Dakota over 15 years ago.
Prepared by scientists and technicians at the Carnegie Museum of Natural
History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "Samson's" skull is considered to
be one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus skulls in existence. The
entire specimen contains approximately 170 bones, more than 50% of the
total bone count of an entire skeleton.
