# Poozeum

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The **Poozeum** is a museum in [Williams, Arizona](/source/Williams,_Arizona), United States, dedicated to [coprolites](/source/Coprolite) (fossilized feces). It was founded in 2014 as a website and resource center by George Frandsen, who owns the world's largest collection of coprolites. Pieces from Frandsen's collection served as a traveling exhibition before the Poozeum opened its physical location in 2024.

The Poozeum includes 8,000 coprolites, including *Barnum*, the largest coprolite by a carnivore to have been discovered, a 9.28-kilogram (20.5-pound) specimen believed to be from a *[Tyrannosaurus rex](/source/Tyrannosaurus_rex)*.

## History

Poozeum founder George Frandsen began collecting [coprolites](/source/Coprolite) as an 18-year-old, purchasing his first piece of [fossil](/source/Fossil)ized feces from a rock and fossil store in [Moab, Utah](/source/Moab,_Utah).[1][2] He expanded his collection over the years, and by 2016 it included 1,277 specimens and was recognized as the largest collection of its kind in the world, earning it a [Guinness World Record](/source/Guinness_World_Record).[3] By 2021, the collection had grown to 5,000 coprolites. To differentiate coprolites from rocks, Frandsen examines their shape, size, surface texture, contents/inclusions, location, and chemistry.[4]

Frandsen was motivated to establish the Poozeum due to the lack of coprolite representation in museums.[2] The Poozeum was established as an online gallery in 2014. Frandsen, then based in Florida, would also lend his coprolites to museums as a traveling exhibition.[5][6][7] In 2024, Frandsen quit his corporate job, sold his house, and moved to Arizona to open a physical museum for the collection.[8] The Poozeum opened in [Williams, Arizona](/source/Williams,_Arizona), along [Route 66](/source/U.S._Route_66), on May 18, 2024.[9]

## Operations

It has the slogan, "#1 for fossilized #2",[5] and bills itself as the "world's premier dinosaur poop museum and gift shop", selling dinosaur-themed merchandise.[9] Entry to the museum is free to the public.[9]

## Coprolite collection

The Poozeum holds Frandsen's collection, which as of 2024 numbers 8,000 coprolites.[9] It includes coprolites dating from 10,000 years ago to 400 [mya](/source/Million_years_ago). The coprolites range in size from tiny pebble-sized specimens to a behemoth weighing over 9 kg (20 lb).[5] The collection includes crocodilian coprolites as well as those from dinosaurs.[10]

The museum includes a replica of [Titanosaur](/source/Titanosaur) poop, measuring 4 ft (1.2 m) in length.[11] Aside from the collection of coprolites, the museum has a bronze statue of a *Tyrannosaurus rex* squatting on a toilet. The statue, named *The Stinker*, is a nod to [Auguste Rodin](/source/Auguste_Rodin)'s *[The Thinker](/source/The_Thinker)*.[12]

### *Barnum*, the largest carnivore coprolite

The coprolite *Barnum* is the largest known specimen from a carnivore.[2] Dating from the [Late Cretaceous](/source/Late_Cretaceous),[13] it is believed to have come from a *[Tyrannosaurus rex](/source/Tyrannosaurus_rex)*[14][15] and was discovered in the [Hell Creek Formation](/source/Hell_Creek_Formation) on a ranch near [Buffalo, South Dakota](/source/Buffalo,_South_Dakota).[13] It was given the name *Barnum* for [Barnum Brown](/source/Barnum_Brown), the [paleontologist](/source/Paleontology) who originally discovered the *T. rex*, and for the American showman [P. T. Barnum](/source/P._T._Barnum).[16] The coprolite is 67.5 cm (26.6 in) long by 15.7 cm (6.2 in) wide and weighs 9.28 kg (20.5 lb).[17] An analysis of the coprolite using [X-ray fluorescence](/source/X-ray_fluorescence) determined that significant quantities of calcium and phosphorus were present. Crushed bone inclusions were also found within the specimen. *Barnum* holds the Guinness World Record for being the "world's largest fossilized excrement from a carnivore".[6]

### Other coprolites

Frandsen purchased from an online vendor a coprolite found near [Summerville, South Carolina](/source/Summerville,_South_Carolina), which displayed bite marks. The apparently unpalatable specimen was consistent with the shape and size of coprolites of crocodilians.[18]

*Precious*, a 1.92 kg (4.2 lb) coprolite, is the largest true-to-form coprolite ever discovered.[19]

## See also

- [Lloyds Bank coprolite](/source/Lloyds_Bank_coprolite)

## References

1. ["An Arizona museum tells the stories of ancient animals through their fossilized poop"](https://apnews.com/article/arizona-poop-museum-f256d478dbdea76081cff73f117939d5). *AP News*. July 1, 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240702082317/https://apnews.com/article/arizona-poop-museum-f256d478dbdea76081cff73f117939d5) July 2, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Khalil, Hafsa (June 2, 2024). ["Poo museum: New 'Poozeum' displays record fossilised collection"](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nney5dg90o). *BBC*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240611225841/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4nney5dg90o) June 11, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Daley, Jason (November 17, 2016). ["Collection of Fossilized Poo Certified as World's Largest"](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/collection-fossilized-poo-certified-worlds-largest-180961134/). *Smithsonian Magazine*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240709013907/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/collection-fossilized-poo-certified-worlds-largest-180961134/) July 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. ["How to Identify a coprolite"](https://poozeum.com/identify-a-coprolite). *Poozeum*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240813171333/https://poozeum.com/identify-a-coprolite) August 13, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 18, 2024.

1. [*Uncle John's Hindsight Is 20/20 Bathroom Reader*](https://books.google.com/books?id=-TIeEAAAQBAJ&dq=poozeum&pg=PT416). Simon and Schuster. 2021. ISBN 978-1-64517-895-8. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240709010545/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Uncle_John_s_Hindsight_Is_20_20_Bathroom/-TIeEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=poozeum&pg=PT416&printsec=frontcover) July 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Walker, Allison (August 17, 2021). ["5 things to know about the 'crappy' Poozeum exhibit"](https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/on-the-town/2021/08/17/5-things-to-know-about-a--literal---crappy--exhibit--poozeum). *Spectrum News 13*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240709010548/https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/on-the-town/2021/08/17/5-things-to-know-about-a--literal---crappy--exhibit--poozeum) July 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Broom, Brian (April 7, 2023). ["Dinosaur dung comes in big loads, small loads, and it's loads of fun at this unusual museum"](https://www.clarionledger.com/story/magnolia/2023/04/07/tiny-mississippi-museum-features-fossilized-dinosaur-poop-poo-dung-see-where/70079398007/). *The Clarion-Ledger*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240709010620/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/magnolia/2023/04/07/tiny-mississippi-museum-features-fossilized-dinosaur-poop-poo-dung-see-where/70079398007/) July 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Newman, Vicki (May 31, 2024). ["Welcome to the Poozeum: Coprolite collector quits job to open museum of fossilized poo"](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/5/welcome-to-the-poozeum-coprolite-collector-quits-job-to-open-museum-of-fossilize-769764). Guinness World Records. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240709010705/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/5/welcome-to-the-poozeum-coprolite-collector-quits-job-to-open-museum-of-fossilize-769764) July 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. White, Meredith G. (June 6, 2024). ["Poozeum: World's biggest collection of fossilized poop comes to Arizona. Where to see it"](https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/2024/06/06/poozeum-poop-museum-arizona/73986982007/). *The Arizona Republic*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240709010642/https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/2024/06/06/poozeum-poop-museum-arizona/73986982007/) July 9, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. ["An Arizona museum tells the stories of ancient animals through their fossilized poop"](https://www.abc4.com/news/ap-science/ap-an-arizona-museum-tells-the-stories-of-ancient-animals-through-their-fossilized-poop/). *ABC4*. Associated Press. July 1, 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240714023245/https://www.abc4.com/news/ap-science/ap-an-arizona-museum-tells-the-stories-of-ancient-animals-through-their-fossilized-poop/) July 14, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 14, 2024.

1. ["Poozeum"](https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/poozeum-arizona). *Atlas Obscura*. June 25, 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240629153916/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/poozeum-arizona) June 29, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Clemons, Marvin (May 6, 2024). ["See the world's largest collection of dinosaur poop at Arizona's new 'Poozeum'"](https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/see-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-dinosaur-poop-at-arizonas-new-poozeum-3046189/). *Las Vegas Review-Journal*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240511000507/https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/see-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-dinosaur-poop-at-arizonas-new-poozeum-3046189/) May 11, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. ["Meet Barnum, the T. Rex Poop - The World's Largest Coprolite"](https://poozeum.com/t-rex-poop). *Poozeum*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240720132423/https://poozeum.com/t-rex-poop) July 20, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 19, 2024.

1. Cutway, Adrienne (July 15, 2021). ["Dino dumps: World's largest fossilized carnivore poop now on display at the Orlando Science Center"](https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/07/15/dino-dumps-worlds-largest-fossilized-carnivore-poop-now-on-display-at-the-orlando-science-center/). *WKMG*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240801080352/https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/07/15/dino-dumps-worlds-largest-fossilized-carnivore-poop-now-on-display-at-the-orlando-science-center/) August 1, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2024.

1. Kachelriess, Rob (July 25, 2024). ["The New Museum That's Filled with Literal Crap"](https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/a-museum-dedicated-to-dinosaur-poop-is-now-open-near-the-grand-canyon/ar-BB1qCAoo). *Thrillist*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240813171320/https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/a-museum-dedicated-to-dinosaur-poop-is-now-open-near-the-grand-canyon/ar-BB1qCAoo) August 13, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 1, 2024.

1. ["Episode 45: Poozeum"](https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episode-45-poozeum/). *Curator's Choice*. February 13, 2024. pp. 30:26. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240720131917/https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episode-45-poozeum/) July 20, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 19, 2024.

1. ["Largest coprolite from a carnivore"](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/78871-largest-coprolite-fossilised-excrement-from-a-carnivore). Guinness World Records. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240705021614/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/78871-largest-coprolite-fossilised-excrement-from-a-carnivore) July 5, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Godfrey, Stephen J. & Frandsen, George (March 2016). ["Vertebrate-Bitten Coprolite from South Carolina"](http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/DocumentCenter/View/2114/Ecphora-March-2016-SM?bidId=). *The Ecphora*. **31** (1): 12–14. Calvert Marine Museum Fossil Club. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240701094421/https://calvertmarinemuseum.com/DocumentCenter/View/2114/Ecphora-March-2016-SM?bidId=) July 1, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

1. Daley, Jason (November 17, 2016). ["Collection of Fossilized Poo Certified as World's Largest"](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/collection-fossilized-poo-certified-worlds-largest-180961134/). *Smithsonian Magazine*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230926213236/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/collection-fossilized-poo-certified-worlds-largest-180961134/) September 26, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 8, 2024.

## External links

- [Official website](https://poozeum.com/)
- [Dinosaur poop collection - Guinness World Records](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIJ_Fjpk1Vk)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Poozeum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poozeum) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poozeum?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.