The Jurassic Coast’s Newest Star: Big Sara and the Stories She Tells
When I first heard about Big Sara, the 150-million-year-old allosaurus taking up residence at the Etches Museum in Kimmeridge, my initial reaction was one of awe. Not just because she’s a colossal, ancient predator—though that’s undeniably cool—but because her story is a fascinating intersection of history, science, and human curiosity. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Big Sara’s journey from Wyoming to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast reflects our enduring fascination with dinosaurs and the lengths we’ll go to bring them back to life, even if only in skeletal form.
A Dinosaur’s Journey Across Time and Continents
Big Sara’s story begins in the Kimmeridgian deposits of Wyoming, where she was unearthed in 2015. What many people don’t realize is that her path to the Etches Museum is as intriguing as her prehistoric life. Bought on a whim by Poole businessman James Benamor for a cool £3 million, she’s now on loan to the museum for two years. Personally, I think this act of generosity is a testament to the power of museums to inspire—Benamor’s child visited the Etches Museum on a school trip and was so impressed that he chose it as Big Sara’s temporary home. This raises a deeper question: how often do we underestimate the impact of these institutions on young minds?
The Allosaurus: A Predator’s Tale
Big Sara isn’t just any dinosaur; she’s an allosaurus, a cousin of the T-Rex but with her own unique story. Standing three and a half meters tall, she was a formidable predator of the Jurassic period. One thing that immediately stands out is her skeleton—over 70% complete, making her one of the most intact specimens in the world. But what really caught my attention are the healed injuries on her ribs, likely from battles with prey or rivals. If you take a step back and think about it, these scars offer a rare glimpse into the brutal realities of prehistoric life. They’re not just bones; they’re a narrative of survival and struggle.
Connecting Land and Sea: A Jurassic Ecosystem
What this really suggests is that Big Sara’s presence at the Etches Museum isn’t just about showcasing a dinosaur; it’s about painting a broader picture of the Jurassic era. Steve Etches, the museum’s founder, highlights the connection between Big Sara and the Kimmeridge pliosaur, a massive marine predator whose skull is already on display. From my perspective, this pairing is genius. It allows visitors to explore the interplay between land and sea ecosystems during one of Earth’s most remarkable periods. It’s a reminder that dinosaurs didn’t exist in isolation—they were part of a complex, interconnected world.
The Challenges of Preserving History
While Big Sara’s arrival is cause for celebration, it also shines a light on the challenges museums face, especially in the UK. Steve Etches laments that museums are often the first to suffer budget cuts, which is a terrible shame. In my opinion, this reflects a broader undervaluing of heritage and education in our society. Museums like the Etches Collection rely heavily on visitors and donations to survive, and Big Sara’s two-year stay is hoped to boost attendance. But what happens after she leaves? This raises a deeper question about sustainability and the role of private collectors in preserving public history.
The Future of Jurassic Discoveries
Looking ahead, the Etches Museum has even bigger plans, including the excavation of the remainder of its pliosaur skeleton. Time is of the essence, as Steve Etches notes—if they don’t act soon, valuable parts of the skeleton could be lost. A detail that I find especially interesting is the proposed museum extension to house the pliosaur, which would make it a global hub for Jurassic marine life exhibits. If you take a step back and think about it, this could put Kimmeridge on the map as a destination for paleontology enthusiasts worldwide. But it’s a massive undertaking, requiring significant funding and support.
The Power of Storytelling
What makes Big Sara’s story so compelling is how it’s being brought to life. The upcoming Jurassic-themed evening at The Mowlem Theatre, featuring a screening of Pliosaurus – The Discovery of a Monster and a talk by Steve Etches, is a perfect example. Introduced by Emilia Fox, who grew up in Kimmeridge, the event blends science, storytelling, and community engagement. Personally, I think this is where museums excel—not just in displaying artifacts, but in creating experiences that resonate with people.
Final Thoughts: Why Big Sara Matters
Big Sara isn’t just a skeleton; she’s a symbol of our enduring curiosity about the past and our desire to connect with it. Her presence at the Etches Museum is a reminder of the importance of preserving history, both for its own sake and for future generations. From my perspective, her story also highlights the need for greater support for museums and scientific endeavors. If we want to continue uncovering the mysteries of the Jurassic era, we need to value the institutions and individuals dedicated to this work.
As I reflect on Big Sara’s journey, I’m struck by how much she has to teach us—not just about dinosaurs, but about ourselves. Her scars, her size, her very existence challenge us to think bigger, to dig deeper, and to appreciate the wonders of the world around us. In a way, she’s not just a relic of the past; she’s a call to action for the future.
