Visit the Poozeum in Williams, Arizona!
THE POOZEUM EXHIBITS - ENGLISH
The world’s only museum dedicated to the preservation, exhibition, and education of coprolites – commonly referred to as dinosaur poop.
Coprolites are fossilized feces of animals, composed primarily of phosphates, calcium, silicates, and a small amount of organic matter. These unique relics offer direct insights into the diets, behaviors, and environments of prehistoric creatures. They range in age from 10,000 to hundreds of million years old.
Many coprolites are notable for their inclusions, consisting of small fossilized fragments of the animal’s consumed food or materials. These inclusions may include bone, scales, fins, teeth, claws, plant fragments, parasites, cell structures, and even traces of muscle tissue.
Identifying thew prehistoric animal responsible for a coprolite can prove challenging. However, many coprolites bear a striking resemblance to modern feces, enabling experts to identify specimens from a diverse range of creatures, including tyrannosaurids, crocodilians, sharks, fish, termites, and shrimp. Interestingly, coprolites do not emit a foul odor like their modern counterparts; instead, they possess an earth scent akin to rocks.
We hope you enjoy your visit!
1. Lyme Regis, England
The specimens shown here are from Lyme Regis, England, where Mary Anning discovered the first coprolites. They date to the Jurassic age – approximately 200 million years old.
- PZIM29: Articulated section of an ichthyosaur abdomen. This piece showcases the remnants of its diet, featuring bone fragments, scales, and hooklets from squid limbs.
- PZI41: Ribs from an unknown animal are present throughout.
- PZI43: Row of vertebrae, possibly from a small shark or ichthyosaur on the surface.
- PZM41: Imprint of a Caenisites turneri ammonite on the surface.
- PZI09: Scale inclusions throughout.
- PZI35: Scale inclusions throughout.
- PZI44: Two ichthyosaur vertebrae and other unidentifiable inclusions. Calcite crystals are growing on it.
2. Miscellaneous
- PZIM01: Autun, France. Age is Lower Permian. A spiral coprolite laying on an Aeduella Blainvillei fish. 299 to 252 MYA
- PZM42: Northeastern Siberia, Russia. Age is Pleistocene. Believed to be petrified mammoth dung. 2 MYA to 10,000
- PZM06: South Dakota, USA. Age is Oligocene. 34 to 23 MYA
- PZIM11: Oklahoma, USA. Age is Permian. Coprolite in matrix with a fibula leg bone and an Elium from a dimetrodon. 299 to 252 MYA
- PZIM18: Queensland, Australia. Age is Cretaceous. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZM04: North Carolina, USA. Age is Cretaceous. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZIM21: Gloucestershire, England. Age is Triassic. 252 to 200 MYA
- PZIM02: Texas, USA. Age is Cretaceous. A coprolite protruding from an ammonite. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZI01: Nebraska, USA. Age is Oligocene. Inclusion is a toe bone from a small leptomeryx deer. 34 to 23 MYA
- PZI39: Silesia, Poland. Age is Carboniferous. A coprolite with plant inclusions within a nodule. 359 to 299 MYA
- PZI38: Kansas, USA. Age is Cretaceous. Filled with fish bone inclusions. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZIM20: Yorkshire, England. Age is Jurassic. 200 to 145 MYA
3. Dino-Bite!
All specimens shown here exhibit evidence of bite markings on the surface.
- PZW20: Wyoming, USA. Age is Eocene. Gar fish, Atractosteus simplex, with poop lodged in its teeth. 56 to 34 MYA
- PZSC62: South Carolina, USA. Age is Miocene. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZSC68: South Carolina, USA. Age is Miocene. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZM39: Texas, USA. Age is Cretaceous. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZSC58: South Carolina, USA. Age is Miocene. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZI33: Dorset, England. Age is Jurassic. 200 to 145 MYA
- PZM36: Texas, USA. Age is Cretaceous. Bite markings are like those left by snails. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZSC26: South Carolina, USA. Age is Miocene. 23 to 5 MYA
4. Gold & Rainbows
- PZF32: Florida, USA. Age is Pleistocene. This specimen was broken during cleaning, revealing incredible iridescent rainbow colors throughout. 2 MYA to 10,000
- PZIM24: Occitanie, France. Age is Jurassic. A coprolite with pyrite (fool’s gold) mineralization. 200 to 145 MYA
- PZIM06: Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Age is Devonian. A coprolite with specks of pyrite (fool’s gold) throughout. 416 to 359 MYA
5. Green River Formation
All specimens shown here are from the Green River Formation near Kemmerer, Wyoming, USA. The age is Eocene. This area was once a large lake that existed approximately 52 million years ago.
The larger pieces are most likely from crocodiles or turtles.
- PZW28
- PZW16
- PZW27
- PZW02
- PZW03
- PZW15
- PZW21
- PZW14: Inclusions throughout.
- PZW27: Small coprolite next to a leaf (ash?)
- PZW27
6. Fossilized Farts
Yes, they exist! Here are three incredible examples of insects entombed in amber that showcase fossilized farts. These insects were trapped in tree resin and died 34-48 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch. Prior or post death, these insects all released gas which was captured as a bubble in the resin. That tree resin then fossilized. These specimens are all from the shores of the Baltic Sea of Lithuania.
- PZM45: Beetle
- PZM44: Ant
- PZM47: Fly
7. World’s Smallest Fossilized Poop
The specimens shown here represent some of the smallest coprolites that are visible to the human eye.
- PZF02: Florida, USA. Age is Pleistocene. These resemble modern day frog feces. 2 MYA to 10,000
- PZIM05: California, USA. Age is Miocene. Petrified incense cedar with embedded termite coprolites. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZM08: Virginia, USA. Age is Eocene. From aquatic animals/fish. 56 to 34 MYA
- PZIM25: Prague Basin, Czech Republic. Age is Ordovician. Possibly from a trilobite. 488 to 443 MYA
- PZM35: Texas, USA. Age is Cretaceous. Possibly from fish. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZIM04: New Jersey, USA. Age is Cretaceous. Phosphatic concretion that contains many shrimp fecal pellets. 145 to 65 MYA
8. Barnum, The Largest Coprolite by a Carnivore
This colossal coprolite is the result of a bowel movement by a Tyrannosaurus rex, which occurred 70-66.5 million years ago in what is now South Dakota, USA. It holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest coprolite ever discovered from a carnivore. Measuring 67.5 cm by 15.7 cm (26.5 in by 6.2 in) and weighing 9.28 kg (20.47 lbs), this formidable feces is named Barnum.
Barnum contains crushed bones, indicating that T. rex used its sharp teeth to chomp through its food without fully chewing it. The presence of bones also reveals that they didn't fully digest before being expelled from the dinosaur's body.
Given its size and the location and era of its discovery, it is highly likely that T. rex is the only carnivore that could have produced such a monumental bone-filled poop. Barnum was found near where T. rex skeletons have been unearthed, and its analysis revealed significant amounts of phosphorus and calcium, consistent with other large carnivorous coprolites that have been found.
- PZI31
9. Betty Croc-ker
This well-preserved partial fossil skeleton of a Borealosuchus wilsoni crocodilian is an exceptional find, allowing for a glimpse into the diet, digestion, and hunting abilities of this extinct marine predator. The specimen is so exquisitely preserved that an undigested coprolite containing a Priscacara serrata fish vertebra can be seen through its dermal plates.
This remarkable discovery provides definitive evidence of the creature's eating habits and is crucial to paleontologists in reconstructing prehistoric ecosystems.
- PZW30: Wyoming, USA. Age is Eocene. 56 to 34 MYA
- PZW18: Wyoming, USA. Age is Eocene. Priscacara serrata fish on a matrix with two coprolites. 56 to 34 MYA
10. Turds With Teeth
The coprolites shown here all include teeth.
- PZI11: Sussex, England. Age is Cretaceous. Small shark teeth on surface. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZI16: Sussex, England. Age is Cretaceous. Pycnodont fish mouth plate on surface. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZI32: Lyme Regis, England. Age is Jurassic. a Plesiosaur tooth on surface. 200 to 145 MYA
- PZI22: South Carolina, USA. Age is Miocene. Embedded Carcharocles angustidens shark tooth. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZI42: Montana, USA. Age is Cretaceous. Three well-preserved teeth from Didelphodon, prehistoric mammals akin to modern opossums. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZI26: Gloucestershire, England. Age is Triassic. Lissodus minimus shark teeth on surface. 252 to 200 MYA
- PZI20: Kent, England. Age is Eocene. Small shark tooth on surface. 56 to 34 MYA
11. Wide Load
A Paleontologist developed an equation to estimate the approximate total length of a crocodilian based on the diameter of its fossil coprolites. This was accomplished through the study of modern-day crocodilians and their excrement.
The equation for calculating crocodilian length based on coprolite diameter is as follows:
Crocodilian Length (cm) = [coprolite diameter (cm) - 1.10]/0.012
Using this equation, we can estimate that a coprolite with a diameter of 2 inches (5 centimeters) is likely to have been produced by a crocodilian that was 10.66 feet (3.25 meters) long.
A coprolite with a diameter of 5 inches (125 millimeters) is likely to have been produced by a crocodilian that was 31 feet (9.45 meters) long!
All specimens in this case are from South Carolina, USA. Age is Miocene. They are believed to be from crocodilians. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZSC09: diameter is 1.36 inches
- PZSC04: diameter is 2.42 inches
- PZSC37: diameter is 2.7 inches
- PZSC39: diameter is 2.29 inches
- PZSC71: diameter is 2.57 inches
- PZSC72: diameter is 3.12 inches
- PZSC73: diameter is 2.83 inches
- PZSC65: diameter is 3.93 inches
- PZSC27: diameter is 3.07 inches
- PZSC03: diameter is 4.92 inches
12. Florida
The specimens shown here represent some of the finest coprolites ever discovered in Florida, USA. Their age is Pleistocene. They are believed to be from crocodilians and other aquatic/semi-aquatic animals.
2 MYA to 10,000
- PZF31
- PZF34: Broke apart when soft, settled, and fossilized together.
- PZF13: Invertebrate burrows throughout.
- PZF01: Invertebrate burrows throughout. Distinct pinched-off top.
- PZF06
- PZF28
- PZF03
- PZF05
13. Industrial Strength
In 1842, Reverend John Stevens Henslow made a significant discovery while exploring in Suffolk, England. He found large quantities of coprolite nodules rich in phosphate, which he experimented with by pouring sulfuric acid onto them. This resulted in the formation of a new product, monocalcium phosphate or superphosphate, which Henslow realized could be used as fertilizer in agriculture.
Independently, John Bennet Lawes also discovered the same process using phosphate rock and coprolites, which he patented and launched the artificial manure industry.
During World War I (1914 to 1918), phosphates derived from coprolites were made into white phosphorus munitions and fertilizer.
- National Guano matchbox used for advertising artificial manure. Liverpool, England.
- Ichthemic Guano Co. horticulture medals from the early 1900s. This company was known for its work in turning coprolites into fertilizer. Ipswich, England.
- A Fison Fertilizer countermarked French 10c coin advertising its "Guano". The coin is from 1856; the countermark came afterwards.
- An inert/empty mortar representing how coprolites were derived into white phosphorus munitions.
- Lawes Manure ashtray/coin tray featuring a superphosphate advertisement. Ipswich, England.
- PZM30 & 31: Bedfordshire, England. The age is Cretaceous. Samples are from abandoned coprolite mines of 19th century England. 145 to 65 MYA
- Microscope slides featuring thin slices of coprolites. Circa 1870-1900, London, England.
- Lawes Manure ashtray tray advertising its fertilizer. Ipswich, England.
14. Turdnados
These unique tornado-shaped coprolites are produced by animals that possess a corkscrew-shaped lower portion of their intestine, such as certain species of sharks, sturgeon, paddlefish, rays, skates, bichirs, gars, and lungfish. This distinctive biological feature not only maximizes the surface area of the intestine, but also enhances nutrient absorption. As a result, these animals produce some of the most fascinatingly-shaped feces in the animal kingdom.
- PZMR06: Kem Kem Basin, Morocco. Age is Miocene. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZMR05: Kem Kem Basin, Morocco. Age is Miocene. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZMR04: Kem Kem Basin, Morocco. Age is Miocene. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZMR02: Kem Kem Basin, Morocco. Age is Miocene. This specimen was originally in a spiral shape and something flattened it. 23 to 5 MYA
- PZW32: Wyoming, USA. Age is Eocene. 56 to 34 MYA
- PZM17: New Jersey, USA. Age is Cretaceous. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZM33: Kansas, USA. Age is Cretaceous. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZIM09: Upohlavy, Czech Republic. Age is Cretaceous. 145 to 65 MYA
- PZM27: Lyme Regis, England. Age is Jurassic. 200 to 145 MYA
- PZW22: Wyoming, USA. Age is Eocene. Fish is a Knightia. 56 to 34 MYA
15. The Great Coprolite Count
Can you guess the number of coprolites in this jar? Take a guess and see how close you can get to the actual amount.
The answer is on the right side of this display case.
- PZM22: New Mexico, USA. The age is Triassic. Possibly from an aquatic reptile called Vancleavea or some other unknown aquatic animal. 252 to 200 MYA
16. Hell Creek Formation
The specimens in this case are from the Cretaceous, Hell Creek Formation, which is approximately 66-68 million years ago.
- PZI45: North Dakota, USA. Filled with bones and garfish scales.
- PZM53: Montana USA. A coprolite with small black inclusions resting on a piece of dinosaur bone.
- PZI05: Montana, USA. A sliced and polished theropod coprolite featuring bone inclusions.
- PZ27: Montana, USA. A large theropod coprolite. The dark spots are bone inclusions.
- PZM54: Montana, USA. A coprolite with a pinched-off top.
- PZM16: Montana, USA. A collection of small coprolites from unknown animals.
17. Chepe The Tyrannosaur
Defecation, often overlooked in fossil reconstructions, offers valuable insights into the biology and behavior of extinct species. By incorporating this unique aspect of the Tyrannosaur's life cycle, we strive to present a more comprehensive view of these fascinating creatures, stimulating discussions about their ecology and evolutionary adaptations.
This exhibit challenges visitors to reconsider their perceptions of prehistoric animals and encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities of prehistoric life. Through engaging and thought-provoking displays like this, we hope to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world and its incredible history.
18. A Titanic-Sized Turd
The titanosaur was the largest dinosaur to ever roam the Earth, weighing approximately 77,110 kg (170,000 pounds) and measuring about 40 meters (130 feet) in length and 20 meters (65 feet) in height.
While the exact size of titanosaur poop remains a mystery, scientists estimate, using elephants as a modern comparison, that a titanosaur could excrete between 400-800 kg (880 to 1,760 pounds) per day.
This model represents the mass a titanosaur could potentially excrete in a single day. and share our collections for future generations by making a donation or becoming a sponsor. Your support helps us continue our mission of education and inspiration.
19. Duria Antiquior Print
Henry De La Beche, 1830
(Look closely; the animals are pooping)
Duria Antiquior is a groundbreaking watercolor created by Henry De la Beche in 1830, illustrating ancient marine life based on fossils found in Dorset, England, largely discovered by Mary Anning.
It is celebrated as the first scientifically accurate reconstruction of prehistoric life. De la Beche sold prints of the artwork to support Anning financially, and it played a significant role in shaping paleoart and deep-time illustrations.