Issue date: 4/1/08 Section: Slice of Death

BUN 1, DINO 0 | NYU's beloved prehistoric critter met an unfortunate end when she bit off more than she could chew. Zing.

Elmer, the dinosaur beloved by many NYUHome users, died yesterday after she choked on the notorious NYU Bun.

Medics from the NYU School of Medicene tried to revive the dinosaur, but the Bun, which is larger than her entire body, was lodged too far down the tiny creature's throat.

University spokesman John Beckman said it was unclear how Elmer got her plastic jaws around the Bun. He refused to comment on student speculation that NYU's notorious Bun Thief was behind the T. rex's untimely death.

Her death was shocking for many.

After he heard the news, President John Sexton wailed, "NOOOOOOOOOOOES!!!!!" before breaking into tears and locking himself in his office.

"She always looked so happy among those tulips," Tisch freshman Fiona McGillian said mournfully.

Students said the dinosaur will be sorely missed. Since her appearance in spring 2007, Elmer's cheer and subtle humor put smiles on the faces of countless students who passed her portrait every time they needed to check their e-mail.

Before the dinosaur joined the NYU community, she was employed by West Village resident Alicia Cowen to entertain her 3-year-old son Justin.

But when Elmer fell out of Justin's stroller in Washington Square Park, she found her true calling: professional modeling for NYU.

"I love my life and I love my job," she told WSN last spring. "Knowing that I brighten people's days makes what I do worthwhile."

In February, Elmer was spotted frolicking in the park with a mysterious lizard companion, leading many to hope that the park might soon ring with the melodic croaks of a baby T. rex. But a Cowen family spokeswoman told WSN last night that Elmer left no heirs behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Smaller Buns, Safer Dinos Foundation. NYU will hold a memorial service in the open half of Washington Square Park for the dinosaur on Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. All students are welcome to come and share their fondest memory of the dinosaur.

Rest in peace, Elmer.


Theodore Gerard LOVES ELMER AND MISSES HER!!! He is too busy crying, so don't call.

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