The life-sized copper statue of Tyrannosaurus rex that guards the front of the University of Wyoming’s Geological Museum will celebrate it's "birthday:" the 50th anniversary of its dedication on Friday, April 11.

To celebrate the anniversary, the Geological Museum will host two “birthday” parties, one at lunchtime Friday in front of the statue, and another Saturday, April 12, from noon-2 p.m. in the museum. Birthday cake will be provided, and well-wishers can sign a giant birthday card to the T. rex.

Legendary UW Professor Samuel H. “Doc” Knight built the statue after he retired from UW in 1963. He spent more than 4,000 hours welding the 45-foot-long steel support structure and hand-hammering the copper plates to create the skin texture.

Read more about the celebration here.

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