When Dinosaurs Meet Philanthropy: The Story of Big Sara and the Etches Museum
There’s something profoundly humbling about standing before a 150-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton. It’s not just the sheer size or the ancient bones that captivate—it’s the stories they tell. And when Big Sara, the Allosaurus, roared into the Etches Museum on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, she brought with her a tale that blends paleontology, philanthropy, and the enduring human fascination with the past.
A Dinosaur’s Journey Home
Big Sara’s story begins in Wyoming, USA, where her remains were unearthed in 2015. But her journey to the Etches Museum is what makes this particularly fascinating. Personally, I think it’s a testament to the power of serendipity and passion. James Benamor, a Poole businessman, bought her at auction for a cool £3 million—on a whim, no less. What many people don’t realize is that such acquisitions often stem from a mix of impulse and a deeper appreciation for history. Benamor’s decision to loan Big Sara to the Etches Museum, rather than a more prominent institution, speaks volumes about his connection to the Jurassic Coast and its heritage.
From my perspective, this act of generosity is a rare gem in a world where cultural artifacts are often locked away in private collections. Big Sara isn’t just a display piece; she’s a bridge between the ancient world and modern curiosity. Her presence at the museum, even if only for two years, is a reminder that history belongs to everyone—not just those who can afford it.
The Allosaurus: A Predator’s Tale
Big Sara’s skeleton is more than 70% complete, making her one of the most intact Allosaurus specimens in the world. But what really stands out is the evidence of her battles. Several of her ribs show healed injuries, likely from encounters with prey or rivals. If you take a step back and think about it, these scars are a window into the brutal realities of the Jurassic era. They tell us about survival, competition, and the sheer tenacity of life.
The Allosaurus, often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the T-Rex, was a formidable predator in its own right. Smaller and faster, it dominated the land while the pliosaur ruled the seas. What this really suggests is that the Jurassic period was a time of diverse and specialized predators, each adapted to their environment. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—how ecosystems, even millions of years ago, were as complex and interconnected as they are today.
Museums as Guardians of Time
Steve Etches, the founder of the Etches Collection, aptly points out that museums are often the first to suffer during financial cuts. In the UK, this is particularly tragic, as we seem to undervalue our heritage compared to countries like Germany or the US. Museums aren’t just repositories of artifacts; they’re storytellers, educators, and guardians of time.
Big Sara’s arrival at the Etches Museum is more than a temporary exhibit—it’s a lifeline. The museum relies heavily on visitors to survive, and a 10-meter-long dinosaur skeleton is bound to draw crowds. But this raises a deeper question: Should institutions like this have to rely on such blockbuster attractions to stay afloat? In my opinion, the answer is no. Museums should be supported as essential parts of our cultural fabric, not left to scramble for survival.
The Future of Jurassic Heritage
The Etches Museum has bigger plans on the horizon, including the excavation of the remainder of its pliosaur skeleton, affectionately known as Sea Rex. Time is of the essence, as Steve Etches notes—if the excavation isn’t completed soon, valuable parts of the skeleton could be lost forever. This isn’t just about preserving bones; it’s about preserving a piece of Earth’s history.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the museum’s vision for the future. If the full Sea Rex skeleton is recovered, the museum plans to build an extension—a hall dedicated to predatory marine creatures like pliosaurs and crocodiles. This would be a one-of-a-kind exhibit, a beacon for Jurassic enthusiasts worldwide. But it’s also a risky endeavor, requiring significant funding and planning.
The Human Connection to the Past
One thing that immediately stands out is how deeply personal this story is. James Benamor’s decision to loan Big Sara was inspired by his child’s visit to the museum. Steve Etches’s passion for paleontology has driven him to build a world-class collection in a small coastal town. Even Emilia Fox, star of Silent Witness and a local to Kimmeridge, is lending her support to the museum’s fundraising efforts.
This human connection is what makes the story of Big Sara and the Etches Museum so compelling. It’s not just about dinosaurs or fossils—it’s about people. It’s about the curiosity that drives us to dig into the past, the generosity that allows us to share it, and the vision that inspires us to preserve it for future generations.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Big Sara’s journey, I’m struck by how much she represents. She’s a symbol of the Jurassic era, a testament to the power of philanthropy, and a reminder of the importance of museums in our society. Personally, I think her story is a call to action—to value our heritage, support our cultural institutions, and never stop wondering about the world around us.
If you take a step back and think about it, dinosaurs like Big Sara aren’t just relics of the past; they’re mirrors reflecting our own curiosity, resilience, and capacity for wonder. And in a world that often feels fragmented, that’s a story worth telling—and preserving.
