ANN ARBOR—A 25-million-year-old rhinoceros skull and leg bone are missing from an exhibit case at the University of Michigan’s Exhibit Museum. The loss, discovered Saturday morning (Sept. 21) by an intern leading a docent training session, is thought to have occurred sometime between Sept. 17 and 21.

The wood and glass case containing a jumbled block of fossilized bones of the rhinoceros “Diceratherium” is in the Museum’s Hall of Evolution and contained at least four other skulls. However, the missing skull was the only one loose from the sedimentary rock that held the others. The rock was originally uncovered in the bone beds of Agate Springs, Neb.

Both the skull and the limb are about 12 inches long. The skull weighs between 5 and 10 pounds. The value of both fossils is about $20,000, said John Klausmeyer, a preparator with the Museum for the past 12 years. “Even with an insurance settlement, you can’t just go out and buy another one,” he said. “This is totally irreplaceable. It really belongs to everybody in Michigan. This is stealing from everybody.”

In hopes of retrieving the missing fossils, the Museum has notified a network of museums. A reward is being offered for the fossils’ return. U-M’s Department of Public Safety, continuing its investigation of the theft, is encouraging anyone with information on the pieces to call the anonymous tip line at (313) 763-9180 or (800) 863-1355.

University of Michigan