Three adventurous boys made an astonishing paleontological find while exploring the North Dakota Badlands: the remains of a young Tyrannosaurus rex. What began as a routine hike has evolved into an important scientific breakthrough with exceptional fossil preservation.
A Fortuitous Encounter: The Teenage T. Rex Discovery
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science announced that the fossil was excavated over the span of a year with both museum experts and the boys who found it working collaboratively.
In July 2022, Sam Fisher took his sons Jessin (12), Liam (9), and their cousin Kaiden Madsen (11) on a hike through the Badlands—completely unaware they were about to uncover an extraordinarily intact dinosaur skeleton.
Unlike most fossils typically discovered by professional paleontologists, this juvenile T. rex was found by these young enthusiasts, making the discovery all the more exceptional.
Following the find, Fisher reached out to Tyler Lyson, paleontology curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, for professional guidance.
“These boys have made a remarkable dinosaur find that advances our scientific knowledge and enriches our understanding of prehistoric life,” Dr. Lyson remarked. “I’m thrilled for museum visitors to experience the ‘Teen Rex Discovery,’ an exhibit that will ignite curiosity and wonder locally and worldwide!”
The Size and Age of the Juvenile T. Rex
Researchers applied sophisticated techniques, including bone histology and growth pattern analysis, to establish the age of the Tyrannosaurus rex.
By measuring the dinosaur’s tibia bone at 82 cm long, scientists concluded it was an adolescent. Adult T. rex tibias can reach lengths of up to 112 cm, allowing experts to estimate the size of this younger specimen.
At the time of its death, the dinosaur—dubbed “Teen Rex”—measured approximately 25 feet in length, stood around 10 feet tall, and weighed an estimated 3,500 pounds. This contrasts with mature adults that could grow as long as 40 feet and weigh as much as 8,000 pounds.
What Makes This Juvenile T. Rex Fossil Exceptional?
Juvenile T. rex fossils are extremely rare finds. Most discoveries relate to fully grown specimens, which are easier to identify due to their larger size and developed features.
This young T. rex skeleton provides invaluable insight into the dinosaur’s growth stages, including aspects of its diet, behavior, and health during adolescence.
A Film Showcasing the Groundbreaking Dinosaur Find
The excavation process of the “Teen Rex” fossil has been captured on video and is featured in a 40-minute documentary titled T. rex.
Slated to premiere on June 21 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science’s Infinity Theater, the film promises an immersive exploration into the life of this iconic dinosaur.
With cutting-edge CGI technology and current paleontological data, the documentary offers a vivid reconstruction of one of Earth’s most renowned prehistoric predators.
The exhibit opening at 1:30 p.m. on June 21 invites guests to examine the fossil firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the discovery’s scientific importance.
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