Meet Gnatalie: The 75-Foot Dinosaur Brought Back to Life After 150 Million Years

Photo byCraig Cutler for National Geographic Magazine

Picture a world where a colossal Diplodocus, with its impressive long neck and tail, roams across a vibrant prehistoric landscape. For about 70 years, this Dinosaur navigates through winding rivers, shifting mountains, and advancing glaciers. After its life ends, the massive bones are buried under layers of sediment, slowly becoming fossilized over millions of years. Fast forward 150 million years, and these ancient remains are painstakingly unearthed and reconstructed by modern scientists, revealing a creature from a long-forgotten world. This is the astonishing story of how a team of paleontologists and artists brought a 75-foot-long dinosaur, affectionately named Gnatalie, back to life.

The Discovery Begins

The story of Gnatalie began in 2007 when erosion exposed a single dinosaur leg bone beside a bluff in southeastern Utah. This initial discovery was more than a fragment; it was a tantalizing clue to a much larger story hidden beneath the Earth. The discovery sparked an ambitious excavation effort led by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC). Over the next nine summers, the team returned to the site, driven by the promise of uncovering more. They unearthed a remarkable collection of bones, including those of Diplodocus, Camarasaurus, Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and other species. These bones, mixed together in a prehistoric jumble, hinted at a dynamic and complex past.

The team spent 10 years unearthing a dinosaur from its rocky resting place in southern Utah.Photo byStephanie Abramowicz

The Challenges of the Dig

The excavation was fraught with challenges. The team battled intense summer heat and relentless gnats, which led to the Dinosaur’s nickname, Gnatalie. The team pressed on despite the discomforts, driven by their passion for paleontology and commitment to bringing this ancient giant back to life. The site was rugged and remote, adding another layer of difficulty to their work. The team encountered occasional mountain lions, rattlesnakes seeking refuge under their tarps, and even a lightning strike that set a nearby juniper tree ablaze. Each challenge, however, only strengthened their resolve to complete the excavation.

Reconstructing the Past

At the museum’s lab in L.A., preparators cut open the jackets and spent years removing the concrete-hard matrix.Photo byCraig Cutler for National Geographic Magazine

As excavation progressed, it became clear that the bones belonged to more than one individual. The final display at the Museum will be a composite of parts from two or more dinosaurs of the same species. While the exact species of Gnatalie is still under review, its features closely resemble those of the Diplodocus genus. Diplodocus was one of the iconic sauropods of the Jurassic period, known for its long neck, tail, and sturdy legs.

Reconstructing Gnatalie was a meticulous process. Each bone had to be carefully cleaned, studied and assembled. The bones were examined using advanced techniques such as CT scanning and 3D modeling to ensure accurate placement and alignment. This detailed work allowed the team to recreate a lifelike representation of what the Dinosaur might have looked like in its prime. The process also involved collaboration between paleontologists, artists, and museum staff to ensure that Gnatalie’s final form was scientifically accurate and visually striking.

The Significance of Gnatalie

Later this fall the multimillion-dollar reconstruction will be the star attraction of a new wing of the NHMLAC.Photo byCraig Cutler for National Geographic Magazine

Gnatalie is not just a marvel of paleontological reconstruction but also a significant scientific and educational achievement. By bringing this Dinosaur back to life, the NHMLAC team has provided a tangible link to a distant past, allowing museum visitors to experience a glimpse into the world of the dinosaurs. The display will offer insights into the anatomy and lifestyle of these ancient creatures, sparking curiosity and wonder in people of all ages.

The story of Gnatalie also highlights the importance of perseverance and collaboration in paleontology. The challenges faced during the excavation, from harsh environmental conditions to the logistical hurdles of working in a remote location, were met with determination and teamwork. The successful reconstruction of Gnatalie is a testament to the dedication of the scientists and artists who worked tirelessly to piece together the story of this ancient giant.

A New Chapter for the Museum

NHMLAC’s newest dinosaur “Gnatalie” will be displayed in the free NHM Commons Judith Perlstein Welcome Center.Photo byRendering by Frederick Fisher and Partners, Studio MLA, and Studio Joseph.

The arrival of Gnatalie at the NHMLAC marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Museum. As one of the most complete and impressive dinosaur displays in recent years, Gnatalie is expected to draw significant interest from visitors. The exhibit will not only showcase this prehistoric creature's grandeur but also serve as an invaluable educational resource, highlighting paleontologists' ongoing efforts to uncover and understand the history of life on Earth. It will offer insights into the anatomy and lifestyle of these ancient creatures, sparking curiosity and wonder in people of all ages.

The Museum plans to use Gnatalie’s story to engage the public in discussions about paleontology, fossilization, and the scientific methods used to reconstruct ancient life forms. Educational programs and interactive displays, including a 'dig site' where visitors can uncover and assemble replica dinosaur bones, will complement the exhibit, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the processes involved in bringing a dinosaur-like Gnatalie back to life.

Looking to the Future

Gnatalie's journey is far from over. As new research and discoveries continue to emerge, the story of this remarkable Dinosaur will evolve. The NHMLAC team remains dedicated to advancing our understanding of the past and sharing that knowledge with the public. The success of the Gnatalie project serves as an inspiration for future paleontological endeavors. It underscores the importance of preserving and studying our planet’s ancient history, offering a hopeful and exciting glimpse into the future of paleontology.