A T. rex named Sue

They call it “Sue.”

But according to information from the Anniston Natural Museum of Natural History’s new Tyrannosaurus rex exhibit, the creature actually could be a “he.”

Sue may be a victim of a gender misnomer like the character in that famous Johnny Cash song.

Or it could really be a “she.” Scientists aren’t really sure, and since Sue is a 42-foot-long meat-eater with a mouthful of sharp teeth, perhaps it’s better not to ask.

Posed in her display, Sue was more accommodating than intimidating Saturday morning. Visitors came from miles away to see a replica of the largest, most complete T. rex fossil discovered.

They lined up in the lobby, children talking loudly and a museum curator showing off a young alligator to abate the wait. But once they made it to the grand exhibit, where Sue stood against a red backdrop, mouth open and ready to strike, the chatter subsided to an awed hush.

Cheryl Bragg, executive director of the Anniston Museum, said Sue’s debut was shaping up to be a smashing success. By noon, 500 people had walked through the museum’s doors.

“This is the first time Sue’s been in Alabama,” Bragg said. “Calhoun County’s done a good job of welcoming Sue this morning.”

On loan from the Field Museum in Chicago, the Sue exhibit is more than bare bones. It includes interactive displays on how the T. Rex lived, a sort of “This is Your Life” set in the Cretaceous Period.

But while Sue is the main draw this week, Bragg and the museum board hope it will bring new people through the museum’s doors. Dinosaur tidbits are sprinkled throughout the museum’s normal displays.

“We’ve decided to explore having Sue as an opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to the community,” Bragg said.

Between the dinosaurs and the visit by Ronald McDonald and other characters from the McDonald’s franchise, a major sponsor of the exhibit, the children got their parents’ money’s worth.

Joseph McDaniel, 5, made the trip with his family from Etowah county.

“I wonder how bad them teeth would hurt,” Joseph mused. “It’s got funny little arms.”

Julie and Jason Key, from Heflin, brought their two boys, Jacob, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.

“We were hoping this would get them interested (in dinosaurs),” Jason explained as Jacob hid under a nearby bench.

“I’m scared,” Jacob said, peering out at Sue.

Bragg said the museum expects to draw 30,000 visitors over the life of the exhibit, which is here until Jan. 6.

Jeanette Fulmer, a retired educator who served as a tour guide, was on hand to answer any questions about dinosaurs the guests might have. The turnout exceeded her expectations, too.

“It’s nice to know people would come to a museum with football games going on,” Fulmer said.