What began as a simple family hike in the rugged landscapes of North Dakota evolved into an extraordinary discovery that even seasoned paleontologists could only dream of. Young brothers Jessin and Liam Fisher, accompanied by their father Sam Fisher and cousin Kaiden, stumbled upon the remains of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, an incredible find boasting about 30% completeness. This included nearly the entire right leg structure, several vertebrae, the lower jaw, and the crucial hips and pelvis.
The remarkable discovery was made in July 2022 in the Badlands, a region known for its rich fossil beds. Sam Fisher, recalling his high school days, contacted Dr. Tyler Lyson, the curator of paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. “I didn’t know it was a T. rex because all I had were photos, and the knee joint looked like a duckbill,” Dr. Lyson shared when she spoke to CNN. “Later, I started looking at the photos a little more closely. And the way in which the bone was breaking up into sheets indicated it might be a meat-eating dinosaur.”
Despite initial doubts, with some paleontology peers suggesting it was probably a duckbill dinosaur, Lyson’s curiosity persisted. He admitted, “I relegated the idea of a carnivore to ‘wishful thinking.'” This uncertainty lingered until the following summer when the necessary permissions were secured, allowing Jessin, Liam, and Kaiden to join the excavation of their astonishing find.
The first day of excavation was momentous. As the children watched with bated breath, Lyson and his team unearthed the lower jaw, revealing teeth that dispelled any remaining doubts about the dinosaur’s identity. “The kids were with us every step of the way, which was great,” Lyson said. “We realized it was a T. rex on the first day. We had cameras rolling while it was happening.”
According to the Denver Museum Q&A page, the paleontologists estimate that the ‘Teen Rex’ weighed around 3,500 pounds, stood about 10 feet tall, and measured 25 feet in length at the time of its death. This contrasts with a fully-grown adult T. rex, which could weigh over 9,000 pounds and stretch over 40 feet from nose to tail.
Reflecting on the discovery’s impact, Dr. Lyson remarked, “I’m excited for Museum guests to dig into the ‘Teen Rex Discovery’ experience, which I think will inspire imagination and wonder, not only in our community but around the world!” This sentiment captures the profound excitement surrounding the find, which has been immortalized in a new film and exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
The discovery and excavation process were meticulously documented in the 40-minute documentary T. REX, set to premiere on June 21 at the museum’s Infinity Theater. Utilizing state-of-the-art CGI and the latest paleontological insights, the film offers viewers an unparalleled glimpse into the prehistoric world of the T. rex and its fellow Cretaceous predators.
For the Fisher family and cousin Kaiden, the adventure has been nothing short of extraordinary. The boys, who started with a simple hike, ended up making a significant contribution to our understanding of prehistoric life. Their story is a testament to the spirit of exploration and the unexpected surprises that nature can reveal to those with curiosity and perseverance.
The legacy of their find extends beyond the immediate thrill of discovery. It serves as an educational beacon, inspiring young minds and fostering a deeper appreciation for paleontology. The ‘Teen Rex’ exhibit and film not only highlight the scientific importance of the find but also celebrate the serendipity of discovery and the profound connections between past and present.
As visitors flock to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, they will be transported back in time, gaining insights into the life of one of the most formidable predators that ever roamed the earth. Through the eyes of Jessin, Liam, and Kaiden, the journey from the Badlands to the museum halls will continue to inspire and educate future generations, ensuring that the legacy of the ‘Teen Rex’ lives on.
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