Noteworthy

Durham museum will repair brontosaurus

The brontosaurus will live again at Durham’s Museum of Life and Science, but only with help from donors. The museum estimated that repairs would begin later this summer.

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DURHAM, N.C. — The brontosaurus will live again at Durham’s Museum of Life and Science, but only with help from donors.

Vandals removed the head from the model, which was part of the museum’s old Dinosaur Trail, in May. It was found two days later off Preston Andrews Road in northern Durham County. The culprits apparently used an ax to cut off the head, police said.

The museum has reached an agreement for restitution with the people who took the head, a museum spokesman said Wednesday.

"I don't think it is in anybody's interest to pursue charges," said Julie Rigby, the museum's vice president for external relations.

Police said the theft appeared to be a prank.

The museum needs $4,000 before they can begin repairs. They already have two big donors on board. Joe Colopy, CEO of Bronto Software, announced a $2,000 pledge as a challenge grant to encourage community support for the project. An unidentified museum benefactor also stepped forward with a $1,000 pledge.

The Northgate Park Neighborhood Association is also collecting donations toward the “Bronto Project.” To donate, e-mail savethethebronto@yahoo.com or mail to NPNA Bronto Fund, P.O. Box 15985, Durham, N.C. 27704.

The museum estimated that repairs would begin later this summer.

The museum will open a new Dinosaur Trail July 25.

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