T-Rex’s out hunting for good home
He’s big and not very cuddly, but Colin the T-Rex could be the ultimate Christmas gift for the person that has everything.
Weighing in at a hefty 5 tonnes, Colin is being put up for auction on Trade Me, with the proceeds going to Te Omanga Hospice.
Colin, who was constructed for Hutt City Council’s HighLight Carnival, is described as being ‘‘a one-of-a-kind piece of exceptional engineering and design work’’.
By last night, bidding had reached $16,030, with 276 people following the auction and the listing had had 15,620 views.
One potential buyer suggested Colin would look great on Upper Hutt’s Trentham Memorial Park and another asked if Colin had any special dietary requirements.
‘‘He’s very flexible and will fit in with whatever his new owners like to eat!
‘‘Recently, it’s been a steady diet of metal-based products but we foresee that will come to an end shortly,’’ the sellers replied.
Another wanted to know if Colin would need any friends.
‘‘I think no matter where Colin ends up, he will attract attention and have people to keep him company.’’
Macaulay Metals finance and commercial manager Rachel Lavis said it was impossible to estimate what Colin would fetch in the auction.
The dinosaur would make an interesting attraction at a cafe or art gallery, and Lavis hoped Hutt City Council might consider buying it.
‘‘It could even look fantastic in someone’s backyard if they have a thing for sculpture.’’
Designed and built by Real Steel and Macaulay Metals, Lavis said Colin was constructed ❚ ❚ ❚ to a high standard and would last for a long time.
‘‘Colin will be around well
Colin was laser cut from 100 per cent Swedish steel plate by Upper Hutt’s Real Steel. He is 12.6 metres long from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, and stands 5.8m tall. Proceeds from the sale go to Te Omanga Hospice rebuild. The auction closes on Sunday.
after our kids are dead and buried. Yes, steel rusts but it would take an awfully long time.’’
Despite his weight, transporting Colin to his new owner should be a relatively straightforward process.
His tail was designed to come off and the computer modelling used in his design meant he would be held together when moved.
The auction closes at 7.30pm on Sunday.