Sue Hendrickson, a paleontologist, made a groundbreaking discovery in the Badlands of South Dakota in 1990 that would change the landscape of dinosaur studies. While searching for fossils on a ranch, she stumbled upon the fossilized remains of a massive Tyrannosaurus rex, later named 'Sue' after her. The skeleton was remarkably complete, with about 90% of the bones recovered, making it the most complete T. rex specimen ever found. The bones were embedded in the rock and required extensive excavation work to extract them carefully.

The size of Sue is staggering; the skeleton measures more than 40 feet from snout to tail and stands over 13 feet tall at the hips. Scientists estimated that Sue lived approximately 67 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period. This discovery provided crucial information about the T. rex's anatomy, ecology, and potential behavior, enabling researchers to develop a clearer picture of how this apex predator lived and interacted with its environment.

Sue's importance extends beyond her physical characteristics, as her fossilized remains have undergone cutting-edge analysis, including CT scans and biomechanical studies. These investigations have offered insights into her growth patterns, possible injuries, and even diet. Today, the full skeleton is housed at the Field Museum in Chicago, where it attracts millions of visitors each year, enhancing public interest in paleontology and prehistoric life.