A significant fire incident occurred at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Derby, Kansas, during the weekend, when a lightning strike ignited a massive animatronic dinosaur. The dramatic event unfolded on Saturday evening, with the 100-foot-long Sauroposeidon—a model weighing approximately 60 tons—completely consumed by flames.
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Derby Fire Department responded to multiple calls reporting the blaze around 8:30 p.m. According to their official Facebook post, firefighters encountered a substantial fire emanating from the three-storey structure. Fortunately, thanks to their swift action, the crew managed to control the fire and prevent further damage to the park’s attractions. The fire department noted that the animatronic dinosaur represented one of the largest herbivores from the early Cretaceous period, measuring around 100 feet in length.
The fire crew remarked that they successfully restricted the flames, avoiding what could have been a much more destructive incident for the entire park. In a light-hearted comment, they quipped about the rarity of dinosaur-related fires, stating, “This is the first dinosaur fire Derby has experienced in 65 million years.” Following the incident, the park was still prepared to welcome visitors the following day, assuring guests that they could still enjoy the company of 39 other dinosaurs on display.
Sunday’s post from Field Station: Dinosaurs expressed mourning for the loss of their prized animatronic. The park announced it would remain open from noon to 5 p.m. that day, inviting guests to pay their respects to the ill-fated Sauroposeidon. The post featured a poignant image of the charred remains of the dinosaur post-fire, evoking sentiments from both staff and visitors alike.
Steven Howe, the operations manager at the park, conveyed his thoughts regarding the prospect of restoring the dinosaur. He informed local news outlets that such an undertaking would involve substantial costs, potentially reaching into the hundreds of thousands of pounds. He acknowledged the complexity of the project, as it would require skilled artisans adept in creating intricate designs.
Howe outlined the painstaking process necessary for a full replacement. The restoration would involve an artist carefully attaching foam to the structure’s steel frame and then moulding it to recreate the unique features and aesthetics of the original dinosaur. “Every wrinkle, every nodule, every knob; these were unique hand-carved sculptures,” he explained. “Unfortunately, there aren’t many artists who specialise in that level of craftsmanship anymore.”
In addition to the ambitious full restoration, the park is contemplating an alternative approach, possibly opting to replace only the dinosaur’s head and leaving the metal framework exposed. This would allow visitors to observe the intricacies involved in crafting such elaborate attractions while highlighting the engineering behind the animatronic.
Field Station: Dinosaurs, situated on a 10-acre outdoor site, boasts a range of attractions, featuring more than 40 life-sized, moving replicas of dinosaurs. Alongside these exhibits, the park offers live shows, interactive games, and even a fossil dig site for young paleontologists.
Following the fire, viewers have flocked to the park’s social media to express their condolences over the loss of the Sauroposeidon. The tragic loss not only represents a setback for the park but also a significant moment in the timeline of its attractions.
As the park’s team considers its options and begins to rebuild, one thing remains clear: the spirit of exploration and love for dinosaurs will continue to thrive at Field Station: Dinosaurs, regardless of the challenges ahead. Further updates on their plans are anticipated in the coming months as they navigate the restoration process.