Thirty years ago, paleontologist Bryan Small discovered remains of a brand new dinosaur to science at Petrified Forest National Park. The Chindesaurus bryansmalli was small in size, a carnivore, and at the time, the oldest dinosaur ever found on the planet. Word of this discovery made international news and when “Gertie” (the nickname the fossil became known as) was airlifted out of the park’s wilderness on June 6, 1985, it was a major media event.
Help celebrate the 30th anniversary of this historic fossil airlift by enjoying Gertie Day at the park. Join Dr. William Parker, park paleontologist, and Adam Marsh, seasonal paleontologist. as they display the actual fossils of Gertie, show films about Gertie and the airlift, and provide informal presentations about current research. This event is entirely free and all are welcome.
The celebration is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at the Community Building at Painted Desert Visitor Center (take exit 311 off of Interstate 40).
Two films will be shown at the following times:
* 9:30 and 11 a.m., and 12:30 and 2 p.m., Whopping Small Dinosaur (1986). This 25-minute film showcases the 1985 discovery of Gertie, the airlift event and the significance of the discovery.
* 10:15 and 11:45 a.m., and 1:15 and 2:45 p.m., Triassic Park (2015). This film also runs 25 minutes, and provides a snapshot of current paleontological studies at Petrified Forest National Park by world-class researchers.
In between showings of these films, the actual fossils of Gertie will be on display, and the paleontologists will provide informal presentations and answer questions.
