Looking for a unique gift to buy for that special someone? How about a whale bone?
Thanks to a collaborative effort between the University's Exhibit Museum and its Museum of Paleontology, the public now has the opportunity to "buy a bone" belonging to the Dorudonatrox, a whale that lived 38 million years ago.
When the "Back to the Sea: The Evolution of Whales" exhibit opens in October at the Exhibit Museum, the complete and partial skeletons of six whales will be displayed. The exhibit will illustrate the evolution of whales from meat-eating, hoofed land mammals to fully aquatic whales - a transformation that took 15 million years.
"'Buy a Bone' programs are not new," said Exhibit Museum Administrative Associate Daniel Madaj. "Larger museums, like the Field Museum in Chicago, frequently use similar programs to raise funds for exhibits. 'Buying a Bone,' however, does not mean one gets to keep the actual bone."
Instead of receiving actual fossils, purchasers of the bones will receive personalized certificates and
donation receipts.
A donor plaque listing the names of all sponsors will be mounted when the exhibit is completed. All donors will be invited to a special pre-public unveiling of the exhibit in early October.
Individuals or groups can help finance the whale exhibition by "buying" body parts of the Dorudonatrox, like teeth for $5 each, fingers for $25, ribs for $75 and vertebrae for $40. Larger parts, like the skull, go for $1,000.
"So far the program has been successful, although we haven't had a lot of press," Madaj said. "Most of the donations we have at this point have come from longtime supporters of the museum and from readers of our newsletter that is published quarterly."
Two groups have already pledged $1,000 each for the skull.
"I think that this is a great way for people to participate directly with the programs at the museum," said Dave Thompson, current president of The Friends of the Museum of Paleontology. "It gives people a sense of ownership."
The Friends of the Museum of Paleontology, a local organization that focuses on the specific study of animal fossils and ancient animal life, was one of the two groups to "buy" the Dorudonatrox skull.
"Our club is basically dedicated to raising funds for projects at the Museum," Thompson said. "We felt that this exhibit was definitely worthy of our support."
The exhibit will highlight the research of anthropology Prof. Philip Gingerich, director of the Museum of Paleontology, and will be the most complete display of ancient whale specimens in the world.
"We are very fortunate to have (the material for) a display like this," Madaj said. "It's definitely a one-of-a-kind."
Madaj said the estimated cost for the whale exhibit will be more than $100,000.
"Pinpointing an exact cost is complex," Madaj said. "It depends on what factors are included in the overall estimation."
Madaj said donations will go to cover the exhibit's expenses, including research, staff and excavation costs, as well as money spent in transporting the bones.
"The wood and glass alone needed for the construction of the display itself will be in the tens of thousands," he said.
Madaj emphasized that any amount of community support is important.
"It really doesn't matter if someone buys a tooth or a leg," Madaj said. "We'll be pleased with whatever amount of funds we raise."
For more information about the "Buy a Bone" program, call the Exhibit Museum at 763-4190.
JENNIFER BRADLEY-SWIFT/Daily
Philip Gingerich, director of the Museum of Paleontology, stands with a Dorudonatrox skeleton, a whale whose bones can be bought to raise funds.