T. rex Breath and Bones Come Alive at Telus Spark This Weekend

Telus Spark Science Centre opened a new immersive exhibit Saturday that brings the world's largest and most complete T. rex fossil to life — including a scent meant to evoke 67-million-year-old predator breath.

Sue: the T. rex Experience features a full-scale replica of Sue, the skeletal remains discovered decades ago and now housed at the Field Museum in Chicago. "It's like a mix of dog breath with rotten meat, and it's very memorable," said Zack Anderson, senior director of science and education at Telus Spark, describing the exhibit's smell recreation. The fact that 90 per cent of Sue's skeleton remains intact has made it the most researched individual dinosaur ever found and helped scientists learn more about the species overall.

Visitors can see a fully fleshed-out version of Sue with an Edmontosaurus hanging from its powerful jaws, hear a recreation of the dinosaur's loud growl, and touch bronze casts of real dinosaur bones. The travelling exhibit allows Calgarians who might not visit Chicago the chance to see a version up close.

The exhibit runs through November 29, and entry is included with general admission to the science centre. Stavros Karlos with the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta said the exhibit's opening marks the first dinosaur showcase at the centre in more than a decade and has the potential to draw tourists to spend more time and money in the city. "Dinosaur tourism is a real part of what our province offers," Karlos said.