It’s not every day you open Facebook Marketplace and come face to face with… dinosaurs. But that’s exactly what’s happening in New Jersey, where an unusual wave of enthusiasm has taken over the internet. The Field Station: Dinosaurs theme park, which welcomed over a million visitors over 14 years, is closing its doors. And instead of quietly disappearing, it’s unconventionally attracting attention by putting its prehistoric giants up for sale online.
Dinosaurs for sale: Museums, zoos, and eccentric buyers rush in
And then the announcement spread like wildfire. So much so that within hours, the animatronic dinosaurs, some taller than suburban homes, began attracting calls from museums, zoos, and even eccentric buyers. As park owner Guy Gsell explained:
“We’ve gotten calls from museums and zoos and rich weirdos who just want them for their yard.”
At first glance, it seems like just another curious piece of news. But here’s the hidden detail that left many jaws dropped: the prices. That’s because, while many imagine a 12-meter Tyrannosaurus Rex would cost a fortune, the park listed its creatures for between $500 and $3,500. That’s right: a piece of Jurassic history can be yours for less than the cost of a used car. In fact, these species are for sale:
- Tyrannosaurus Rex (12 m) – US$2,700, advertised as “slightly used, well loved!”
- Juvenile Triceratops (5 m) – US$1,668, with limited sound and movement.
- Apatosaurus (22 m) – US$2,860, the most expensive in the collection.
- Feathered Velociraptor (2 m) – US$700, one of the cheapest.
The ads also warn that buyers will be responsible for all uninstallation and transportation of the parts, meaning the dream could also become a logistical challenge.
When childhood memories meet a Jurassic fire sale
We must remember that for many New Jersey residents, dinosaurs weren’t just rubber and metal figures; in fact, they were part of childhood memories. The park offered live shows, fossil digs, and educational activities, becoming a must-see for schools and families. But financial problems and the expiration of the lease left the park with no way out: it would close at the end of the 2025 season. As Gsell explained:
“The park’s finances had become problematic, and the lease was up—it was just time.”
And then, when the dinosaurs were announced on Facebook, the reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Manager Lisa Fardella said:
“It’s been an absolute zoo… Crazy insane. I haven’t slept much, trying to keep up with responding to everybody.”
Demand was so high that the team had to stop answering calls, unable to keep up with the volume. Another curious detail: buyers won’t be able to collect their Jurassic acquisitions until the park officially closes in November 2025, but what they can do in the meantime is analyze the polar dinosaurs discovered in Antarctica.
A farewell that turned into a viral Jurassic legacy
Despite the closure of the physical park, the legacy will not be erased. Gsell assured that educational programming and events will continue in other forms, keeping the Field Station’s mission alive. Some highlights of the legacy that we cannot fail to mention are:
- Over 1 million visitors in 14 years.
- Activities that combined fun and learning: fossil digs, games, and interactive shows.
- A lasting impact on the lives of local children and families.
And the lesson is this: what could have been a discreet closure ended up becoming viral news, partly due to nostalgia, but mainly due to the hidden detail: the affordability of giant dinosaurs. Knowing that you could take home a T. Rex or an Apatosaurus for a few thousand dollars sparked the imagination of people around the world. Just like this 70-million-year-old dinosaur embryo found.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of events affecting companies is purely informative and descriptive. Under no circumstances does it seek to promote an opinion or create a trend, nor can it be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any kind.
