CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Field Museum’s new spinosaurus is nameless no more: After a two-week vote, it will now be known as Sobek.
For those who aren’t well-versed in ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses, Sobek was the name of an Egyptian deity associated with the Nile River — and it was often depicted with the head of a crocodile.
Museum officials said the spinosaurus’ crocodile-like jaws were an inspiration for the name, and they added that the first spinosaurus fossils were discovered in Egypt.
Sobek was one of three possible names, which were selected through an internal staff vote. From there, the museum handed the naming responsibility to the public.
Over two weeks, more than 31,000 votes were cast. The museum said it was a narrow victory for Sobek, which drew 44% of the vote. Sandy garnered 42% of the vote, and only 14% of the public voted for Sabah.
There’s no word on how Sue, the museum’s iconic tyrannosaurus rex, voted in the contest.
Meanwhile, media obligations are already rolling in for Sobek. The Field Museum said they’ll hold a photo opportunity with an inflatable Sobek this Thursday on one of the Shoreline Sightseeing Chicago River architecture tours. After the architecture tour, Sobek will be riding the water taxi.
Tickets for the Shoreline Sightseeing architecture tour can be found here.
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