Teenagers Discover 30% of a ‘Teen-rex’ Skeleton While Hiking
Remarkable Discovery by Young Hikers
During a family hike in the Badlands of North Dakota in July 2022, young brothers Jessin and Liam Fisher, along with their cousin Kaiden and their dad Sam Fisher, stumbled upon an extraordinary find: the remains of a juvenile T. rex skeleton. The discovery, consisting of about 30% of the skeleton, included almost the entire right leg structure, several vertebrae, the lower jaw, and the crucial hips and pelvis.
Initial Skepticism and Subsequent Confirmation
Initially, Dr. Tyler Lyson, a paleontology curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and a high school friend of Sam Fisher, was skeptical. Upon seeing photos of the knee joint, he believed the bones might belong to a duckbill dinosaur. This theory was supported by his paleontologist colleagues. However, closer examination and the subsequent excavation revealed the true nature of the find.
Exciting Excavation Process
The permission for excavation was obtained from the land managers, and by the following summer, Jessin, Liam, and Kaiden were able to join the team in unearthing their incredible discovery. On the first day of the excavation, the team found the lower jaw full of teeth, confirming that the bones belonged to a T. rex. This realization transformed the excavation into an exciting and historic event, with the kids participating every step of the way.
Significant Paleontological Insights
According to the Denver Museum Q&A page, the juvenile T. rex, dubbed ‘Teen Rex,’ was estimated to have weighed 3,500 pounds, stood 10 feet tall, and measured 25 feet long at the time of its death. In contrast, a fully-grown adult T. rex could weigh over 9,000 pounds and reach over 40 feet in length.
Museum Exhibit and Documentary
The discovery has inspired a new film and exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The 40-minute documentary, “T. REX,” captures the entire excavation process and features state-of-the-art CGI and cutting-edge paleontological insights. It will premiere in the museum’s Infinity Theater on June 21, offering an unprecedented journey into the world of the T. rex and other Cretaceous carnivores.
Sophia H.