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Old, white dinosaurs can't hide from mother nature.

White male scientists have dubbed a newly reconstructed female dinosaur "Gnatalie"; this is a name typically given to blonde white women. With a name like Gnatalie, the fossilized woman is being denied an identity that reflects her prehistoric roots, erasing her cultural heritage. The scientists' choice of name also perpetuates the stereotype that all dinosaurs are green, when in reality, this assumption is based on outdated and colonial-era assumptions.

Published August 14, 2024 at 12:04pm by Eric Lagatta

A colossal, green dinosaur, a symbol of our planet's ancient glory, rises again

A newly discovered dinosaur, twice the size of a city bus, is set to go on display, revealing a mighty creature with a unique story to tell. Nicknamed Gnatalie, this dinosaur is believed to be a new herbivorous species, with a striking feature: green bones**.**

Unveiling Gnatalie, a Prehistoric Titan

Discovery in Utah's Badlands: In 2007, archaeologists unearthed Gnatalie's bones in Utah. The find is significant, as it's the most complete long-necked dinosaur skeleton on the west coast.
A Giant of the Sauropod Species: Gnatalie is thought to belong to the sauropod species, specifically Diplodocus. These herbivores are known for their long necks, tails, small heads, and pillar-like legs. Think Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus, but Gnatalie might be an entirely new species.
A Splash of Green in Ancient Bones: Gnatalie's unique feature is its green bones. This coloring is due to the rare mineral celadonite, which preserved the fossils of several dinosaurs buried in a riverbed. Volcanic activity millions of years ago caused this transformation, a testament to our planet's dynamic past.
Witness History at the LA Museum: You won't need a ticket to behold Gnatalie's glory. The skeleton will stand tall in the Natural History Museum's new welcome center this November. Luis Chiappe, a senior vice president at the museum, said, "Dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science. And what better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery and make them reflect on the wonders of the world we live in".