Get a Peek at “Lee Rex” at the Tate Museum Holiday Open House

People will have the opportunity to see a Wyoming specimen of a Tyrannosaurus Rex at an upcoming open house at Casper College's Tate Museum on December 14th.

The remains of the giant reptile, dubbed "Lee Rex" were found on a ranch near the community of Lusk. Deana Schaff, director of museums at Casper College. Deana Schaff, director of museums at Casper College says that the Lee Rex is currently being prepped in a separate building, erected just for the Rex's arrival.

"It came in a huge concretion that was about eight-foot by four-and-a-half foot," says Schaff of the dinosaur's remains.  "We have it being prepped in a separate building.  It was was too big to bring through the back door of the building, let alone the prep-lab.  So we had to actually build a space to work on it."

Schaff goes on to say that the Tate has the mid-section of the animal and has been working on preparing the fossils for the last two years.

"They're really making some progress," says Schaff.  "If you haven't seen it, or if you haven't seen it in a while, it's really exciting to see it now."

Other activities will be happening during the Holiday Open house as well.  Children can look forward to a shark hunt where kids can find their own shark tooth, “make a gift for your parents,” T. Rex toss, coloring pages, and a free kids raffle. The ever-popular Santasauraus will be on hand and those attending are encouraged to bring their camera for a photo opportunity with not only Santasauraus, but also the museum’s Dee the mammoth. “Of course, we also hope that everyone will help us decorate our huge Christmas tree,” Schaff added.

Adults attending the event can also find activities for themselves, special tours of the museum, prep lab, and Lee Rex barn; fresh baked treats at the Casper College Geology Club’s onsite bake sale; and a $1 raffle to win a unique piece of silicified river coral from Lacoochee River in Florida.  There will also be discounts on items in the museum gift shop.

The Tate Geological Museum’s Holiday Open House is on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Casper College campus.