Description
Anzu wyliei represents the first well-known fossil evidence of oviraptorosaur dinosaurs in the United States. It lived in what is now North and South Dakota, and like others in the order Oviraptorosauria, it featured a prominent crest on its forehead, a specialized beak, and was likely covered in feathers. Anzu was large for an oviraptorosaur, measuring over 10 feet long.
- Scientific Name: Anzu wyliei (“Anzu” is a feathered demon of Sumerian mythology, “wyliei” honors Wylie J. Tuttle, the grandson of a donor to the museum where the fossils are held)
- Characteristics: Our Anzu figure is posed in mid-run, and features intricately detailed plumage, hand-painted in striking colors.
- Size and Color: This Anzu figure measures 5 1/4 inches long and 3 ¼ inches high, or about the size of a standard index card. Its feathers are painted in rich detail, featuring deep reds, forest greens, slate blues and bright whites. The exposed skin areas are painted in dark grey.
- The Anzu wyliei is part of the Wild Safari® Prehistoric World collection.
History:
While the first remains of Anzu wyliei were discovered in 1998, it wasn’t until 2014 that the dinosaur was fully studied and described. Prior to Anzu’s discovery, Oviraptorosaurs (members of the order Oviraptorosauria) were known only in Asia.
Anzu’s specialized beak indicates that it may have eaten a wide variety of food, from eggs to plants to small animals. With many food options available, oviraptorosaurs like Anzu branched off into many successful, diverse specimens that we now know spanned well beyond Asia and into North America.
- Recommended Age: 3+
- Size in cm: 13.3 L x 3.3 W x 8.5 H
- Size in inches: 5.24 L x 1.3 W x 3.35 H
- UPC: 095866002510
