After nearly a decade at TELUS Spark Science Centre, Calgary’s towering scrap-metal Albertosaurus finally has a name.
Meet Rusty.
The name was officially revealed Tuesday at Brainasium Outdoor Park, where young campers emerged beneath the 30-foot dinosaur sculpture with giant letters spelling out R-U-S-T-Y.
The winning name came from one of Spark’s youngest visitors. Four-year-old Milan submitted “Rusty” through a dinosaur colouring sheet and was randomly selected as the prize winner among eligible entrants who suggested the name.
“Community participation is part of Calgary’s culture,” Sophia Langlois, Chair of the Board of Directors at TELUS Spark, said in a statement. “Rusty’s name came from Calgarians, and today’s celebration belongs to them too.”
More Than 1,200 Names Submitted
TELUS Spark received more than 1,200 name submissions through social media, online entries, staff and children’s colouring sheets.
A 10-member Dino Naming Council reviewed the anonymous submissions through three rounds of voting. The names were considered based on factors including kid and family appeal, science and dinosaur relevance, a connection to Calgary, memorability and community enthusiasm.
The final three names were Rusty, Strata and Sprocket.
While those names made the final cut, some of the other submissions showed plenty of Calgary’s sense of humour. Suggestions included Sir Chomps-a-Lot, Gary from Calgary, Bony Tony, The Cow Town Menace, Professor Stompenstein, Noodle and Rivet.
Why Rusty?
The name was chosen in part because of the dinosaur’s distinctive rust-brown appearance.
Made from scrap metal, the sculpture’s weathered surface also provides an opportunity to explore the science behind how materials change over time. TELUS Spark says the name can help spark questions about chemistry, rust, engineering and the recycled materials used to create the dinosaur.
“There’s something pretty special about a four-year-old helping name a Calgary landmark,” said Guy Labine, CEO and President of TELUS Spark.
“Now one simple name gives families another reason to look closer, ask questions and get curious about the science that’s been standing right in front of us for years.”
A Familiar Calgary Dinosaur
The Albertosaurus sculpture was created by Canadian artist Russell Zeid using scrap metal. Before arriving at TELUS Spark nearly 10 years ago, the dinosaur was a familiar sight at Chinook Centre.
Today, Rusty stands at Brainasium Outdoor Park at TELUS Spark, part of the science centre’s 15-acre outdoor space.
Milan’s prize for helping give Rusty its permanent name includes four admissions to TELUS Spark, $150 for the Spark Store and premium experiences, a $250 CF SHOP! card and four admissions to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
The newly named dinosaur now joins other familiar Spark attractions and characters, including robotic dogs Flint and Steel and the Birdly flying experience.
After years of watching over visitors without a name of its own, one of Calgary’s most recognizable dinosaurs finally has one.
Welcome to the family, Rusty.