An Unbelievable Find in the Badlands

In a breathtaking twist of fate, three adventurous boys uncovered the remains of a teenage Tyrannosaurus rex while hiking in the dramatic North Dakota Badlands. What began as an ordinary family outing has now evolved into one of the most remarkable paleontological discoveries in recent memory.

How It All Happened: A Serendipitous Accident

As reported by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the astonishing fossil was excavated over a year’s time, with help from museum experts and the young discoverers themselves. The adventure kicked off in July 2022 when Sam Fisher took his sons, Jessin (12), Liam (9), and their cousin Kaiden Madsen (11) for a hike, blissfully unaware of the incredible secret buried in the ground.

The fossil’s unique story is even more captivating because it was found by a trio of enthusiastic young boys rather than seasoned paleontologists. After unearthing the remains, Fisher reached out to Tyler Lyson, a curator at the Denver Museum, to enlist his expertise.

"These boys have achieved an extraordinary feat in science that not only enhances our understanding but also inspires curiosity across the globe!" exclaimed Dr. Lyson, expressing his excitement over the upcoming display titled the “Teen Rex Discovery,” designed to captivate the imaginations of visitors far and wide.

What Was the Size of the Teenage T. Rex?

Using advanced scientific techniques, researchers determined that the T. rex was a teenager at the time of its demise. An analysis of its tibia, which measured about 82 cm, revealed crucial details about its growth.

At its death, this young dinosaur would have been an impressive 25 feet long, 10 feet tall, and weighed around 3,500 pounds—far more petite than adult T. rexes that can stretch up to 40 feet long and weigh as much as 8,000 pounds.

Why Is This Discovery So Unique?

Juvenile T. rex fossils are exceedingly rare; most bone discoveries belong to adult specimens, making this find not only exceptional but invaluable. This fossil will provide paleontologists with crucial insights into the growth and development of T. rex, shedding light on its diet, behavior, and health during its formative years.

Filming the Extraordinary Discovery

The excavation process has been captured on film, transforming the experience into a 40-minute documentary titled *T. rex*. Scheduled for premiere on June 21 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s Infinity Theater, the film promises an engaging journey through the life of one of history's most famous dinosaurs.

Using cutting-edge CGI and the latest paleontological research, viewers can expect a vivid plunge into the life of T. rex, while the corresponding exhibit will provide an up-close look at this extraordinary find. Mark your calendars for June 21 at 1:30 p.m. to witness this historic moment for paleontology!