Big T Rex Plush Toys

by Angeline Hope

There is simply no point in trying to determine why children are so attracted to T rex plush. Despite their frightening looks, T rex plush are just one of those soft toys that are adored by many.

Tyrannosaurus rex lived 85 to 65 million years ago during the period called Cretaceous. It was a meat-eating dinosaur that was 40 feet in length, up to 20 feet tall and weighed close to 7 tons. Amazingly, its arms were but a mere three feet long but it did have serrated, cone-shaped teeth that were continually replaced. Several fossils of T rex have been found in the United States, Canada, and East Asia; a foot print was found in New Mexico and fossilized dung has also been discovered.

The National Museum of History, located in Washington, D.C., is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is a popular tourist attraction for its amazing display of dinosaur fossils. In particular, is a life-size recreation of Tyrannosaurus rex that is not to be missed. They also have has a Paleobiology department, which is one of the leading centers for paleontological research found in the world. They have what is considered a world-class collection of 40 to 50 million fossil plants and animals. They also have in the collection more than 1,500 catalogued dinosaur specimens.

In 2001, in Hell Creek, Montana, a significant discovery was made by both The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History along with dinosaur experts from the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University - two T rex specimens. A partial T rex that was found in Hell Creek went to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, while a second, more complete Tyrannosaurus rex, went to the Museum of the Rockies. From June 6 to July 16th, the two teams of experts worked tirelessly in torrential rains, hail, 70 per mile and hour winds, and extreme temperature fluctuations while searching for and then preparing the fossil specimens. This included creating plaster jackets which were made to go around the specimens so they could be moved safely from the expedition site.

When first entering "Dinosaur Hall" at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, you can't help but be awe struck by the gigantic fossilized bones of the 40 foot long Tyrannosaurus rex. Just standing next to it and imagining it walking the earth 65 million years ago, is mind-boggling.

Whether or not there is opportunity to visit the wondrous sites at the Smithsonian in Washington, that should not stop you from having a T rex plush. It is after all, a wonderful replication of the enormous animal that became extinct millions of years ago. Despite its fearsome looks and reputation, a T rex plush is a terrific keepsake for anyone that can't get enough of dinosaurs.