How’s the view from your perch at the Bookworm?
Fantastic! I have top billing this year so I’m sitting pretty on the roof. It’s a great view and I get to keep an eye on all the shenanigans underfoot in Sanlitun.
How was the trip in cargo class?
I travel a lot for work and have it down to a science: I wear a compression sock on my horns to prevent edema (the lack of horn room is scandalous) and bring an amazing neck pillow – given to me by a brachiosaurus friend who knows a thing or two about neck pain. Sadly, I wasn’t offered a bite the whole journey. Good thing I found a stash of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in a nearby suitcase.
How do you get on with the local dinosaur scene?
I’m originally from Wyoming, US which is a lot less populated, so the people and excitement of Beijing take some getting used to. But I’ve been living in Liaoning for the past few years and all the Chinese dinos, like the flying Pterosaurs, have been very welcoming. Jinzhousaurus taught me how to make dumplings the other night. I’m not as nimble with my forelegs as he is – but I’m getting there!
All this talk about you not being your own species (see Torosaurus) is kind of depressing. How are you dealing with it?
To be honest, it’s pretty stressful. But I try not to read all the bad press and internet rumor-mongering out there. You can drive yourself crazy listening to the critics so I just try to stay grounded and surround myself with family and sycophants.
Do you think dinosaurs get a fair portrayal in the media? If not what ‘s the truth?
Journalists never actually ask us about the pressing dinosaur issues. Yes, some dinos are bloodthirsty carnivores, but some of just want to eat plants, hang out at the watering hole and go home to a soft nest, surrounded by our hatchlings.
Also, you’ll be appalled to hear yours truly has been a victim of phone hacking a la News of the World – some scoop snoop listening to my calls with a diplodocus ex-girlfriend. Those clips of me screaming – totally taken out of context.
Who’s the coolest dinosaur – real or imaginary?
I have a lot of dinosaur heroes. Dino from The Flintstones was such a maverick. If it weren’t for the drink, he would’ve really revolutionized the field of animated dinosaurs. But if we’re talking about coolest there really is no contest: Quetzelcoatlosaurus. He has a wingspan of 45 feet!
Will you be making an appearance in Jurassic Park 4?
I really wanted to but Steven (Spielberg) and I have had some creative differences that I don’t think can be reconciled. I’m still very close with the cast and crew. I was the best man at the commitment ceremony of one of the velociraptors and am godfather to one of Jeff Goldblum’s sons. I wish them the best.
Tell us, what is that neck-frill of yours for anyway?
[Blushes] A true gentleman never tells but what can I say? The Lady Triceratops love a big neck-frill.
Anyone you’re especially looking forward to seeing at the Explore Festival?
I can’t wait to hear about movie science with astrophysicist Eric Peng. I often look up at the sun and wonder, “Could blow that up?” Plus, it took us triceratops over 100 million years to evolve from Psittacosaurus, but it seems like just yesterday … It’ll be good to see him again, a bit like a family reunion.
What do you do when you’re not at The Bookworm?
I spend a lot of time patrolling the grounds up at the Yizhou Geological Park, keeping the rest of my comrades safe from dinosaur grave robbers. You don’t want to come across my horns in a dark alley. Plus, I love a good crossword.
There are rumors that your modern-day descendants are birds and lizards. Do you agree?
Everyone knows that the true descendants of dinosaurs are dragons.
Battle stories: What’s the most vicious predator your horns have saved you from?
I’m a lover not a fighter. Hello, ladies.
You’re so thin. What’s your secret?
Zumba. I can’t resist that latin beat!
Catch Trevor at The Bookworm Explore Festival from Sep 9-29. See event listings for details.
This article is excerpted from thebeijinger.com.
