The rare juvenile T. rex fossil, affectionately known as “Teen Rex,” was found by three young explorers in North Dakota in 2022. The brothers Jessin and Liam Fisher, along with their dad and cousin, made the discovery while on a family camping trip. They contacted the Curator of Paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Tyler Lyson, who led the excavation of the fossil they named “The Brother” the following summer.
The fossil, believed to be a piece of the T. rex’s skull and two teeth, was excavated by the boys and paleontologists. Dr. Lyson praised their passion and discovery, noting that it advances science and deepens our understanding of the natural world. Liam mentioned that their favorite part was seeing the bones sticking out of the rock.
The young explorers were awarded a bronze replica of the T. rex’s tooth for their incredible find. The fossil can be seen in a temporary exhibition at the museum titled “Discovering Teen Rex.” The story of their discovery is featured in a documentary titled “T.REX” that will be shown in the museum’s giant screen Infinity Theater.
The brothers have since become passionate about paleontology and plan to continue exploring for more fossils in North Dakota with their family members. Their discovery has sparked interest among children and adults alike, inspiring them to learn more about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
The story of Teen Rex has already been featured on several news outlets worldwide, including CNN, BBC News Worldwide, National Geographic Magazine, Discovery Channel UK’s Good Morning Britain show, ITV News London region news programmes such as Meridian Tonight & ITV London News West Country evening bulletins & BBC Radio York’s Breakfast show amongst others.
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Overall, this discovery is an incredible achievement that will undoubtedly benefit future generations of scientists who will continue to study this rare specimen further into its origins.
