x
Breaking News
More () »

Triceratops skull leaving Colorado after 41 years

Fossil hunters dug up the Triceratops skull in Wyoming in 1891.
Credit: Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado
From left to right: William Taylor, assistant professor of anthropology and curator of archaeology, Carlton Shield Chief Gover, PhD student in anthropology, Nick Conklin (kneeling) of 3D Printing Colorado and Sarah Buckser scan the triceratops skull at the CU Museum of Natural History.

BOULDER, Colo. — A beloved member of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) campus is departing to Washington, D.C.

The fossil skull of a Triceratops dinosaur will be leaving the CU Museum of Natural History after being on display for more than 40 years.

CU said a team from the Smithsonian Institution — which loaned the skull to CU Boulder in 1981 — will disassemble the Triceratops beginning May 9 in preparation of its shipping back to the National Mall.

At the Smithsonian, scientists from around the world will be able to study the skull in greater-than-ever detail and possibly unlock new secrets.

“It’s going to a good place: home,” said Jaelyn Eberle, curator of fossil vertebrates for the CU Museum.

RELATED: World's biggest triceratops sells for $7.7 million in Paris

RELATED: Dino dig could teach the world more about relatively rare dinosaur

Fossil hunters dug up the Triceratops from Wyoming in 1891. The Triceratops will remain on display for free in Boulder until Sunday, May 8.

CU said its museum staff haven’t yet decided what will take the place of the Triceratops when it departs in May.

“Just the other day I saw a little kid, probably in preschool, walk up to that dinosaur and her mouth just fell open,” Eberle said. “Even though we’ve had it since the 1980s, I don’t think it has ceased to excite people. At the same time, now we have the chance to share something new with visitors, and I think that’s equally exciting.”

Credit: Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado
From left to right: William Taylor, assistant professor of anthropology and curator of archaeology, Carlton Shield Chief Gover, PhD student in anthropology, Nick Conklin (kneeling) of 3D Printing Colorado and Sarah Buckser scan the triceratops skull at the CU Museum of Natural History.

> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.

SUGGESTED VIDEOSColorado Guide

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n 

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

Before You Leave, Check This Out