Wheaton College to Celebrate 'Perry Mastadon'

Wheaton College will be hosting a birthday celebration in the coming weeks for the skeleton of the Ice Age-era mammal, Perry Mastadon, which is displayed in the college's Meyer Science Center, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

Perry's bones were discovered on Oct. 16, 1963 in the Glen Ellyn backyard of Judge Joseph Sam Perry, according to the Chicago Tribune and the Wheaton College website. The Perry Mastodon was excavated by Wheaton College geology majors, then restored. It has been on display on Wheaton’s campus since 1973, according to a Wheaton College press release. 

The bones are expected to be 13,500 years old, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

A family-friendly open house, featuring geology-themed activities, crafts, games, a community art project and birthday treats will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Wheaton College's Meyer Science Center  It will also include appearances by Stertorus “Tor” Thunder, Wheaton’s plush mastodon mascot.

The Meyer Science Center is located at 430 Howard Street in Wheaton; parking is available in the Howard Street parking lot, or on the east side of the Billy Graham Center.