Sue
Tyrannosaurus rex
Field Museum of Natural History, United States
Specimen Details
Discovery Year
1990
Discovery Location
Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota
Estimated Age
About 67 million years old
Completeness
90%
Length
12.3 m
Height
4 m
Nickname Origin
Named after Sue Hendrickson, the fossil hunter who discovered the skeleton.
Historical Significance
SUE became the most famous dinosaur fossil in the world after a prolonged custody battle, and was acquired by the Field Museum in 1997 for a record sum.
Interesting Facts
SUE is the most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered, at roughly 90% complete by bone volume.
The skull alone weighs 272 kg and could exert a bite force of up to 12,800 pounds.
SUE's bones show evidence of healed injuries and infections, including a broken rib and damaged jaw.
On display at
Field Museum of Natural History