After a 2 year absence, “Dipsy” the Diplodocus is back at HMNS! Making it’s debut back in 1975, Dipsy was the first dinosaur to call HMNS home. In 2013, our Diplodocus was de-installed from its original place in the Glassell Hall and sent off for a much needed spa retreat in Utah. While there, the bones were carefully cleaned and a new mounting frame designed. This week, she arrived back in Houston and was permanently installed in our Morian Hall of Paleontology.
Spine, tail and rib bones go up first. Followed by the legs.
Front leg installation: Dipsy’s stance has been modified from it’s previous posture. Now, the skeleton assumes a tripod stance, as if rearing up to feed on leaves.
HMNS Associate Curator of Paleontology, David Temple, oversaw the installation process.
Fun Facts about “Dipsy” the Diplodocus
- This particular Diplodocus skeleton is a holotype for Diplodocus hayii. A holotype is a single physical example (or illustration) of an organism, known to have been used when the species was formally described. HMNS is the only place in the world where you can see a Diplodocus hayii on display.
- Paleontologists don’t know for sure whether Dipsy is male or female.
- Diplodocus hayii were herbivores. Their skulls, however, have many small, sharp teeth. These were used for stripping plants, not for chewing.
- This skeleton is 72 feet long and about 25 feet high.
Dipsy’s skull was the last piece to be installed. Notice the small, sharp teeth present.
For more photos of the installation, visit out Instagram page.
