The discovery of “Teen Rex” highlighted in the experience

PRESS RELEASE EMBARGOED UNTIL JUNE 4, 2024 at 5:00 a.m. US EASTERN TIME

CONTACT: Julio Poletti, Public Relations Manager, [email protected], 917.783.6760

DENVER (May 28, 2024) — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science announces the discovery and exhibition of a teenager Tyrannosaurus rex fossil – affectionately named “Teen Rex” – in its temporary experience “Discovering Teen Rex” which will open to the public on June 21 at 1:30 p.m. The fossil was discovered in the badlands of North Dakota by two young brothers, their father and cousin, during a family hike. This outing turned into a remarkable moment for science since only a handful of young people Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons have never been found.

Young fossil hunters discovered T. rex fossil in 2022 and contacted Denver Museum of Nature & Science associate curator of paleontology Tyler Lyson, a North Dakota native, to confirm this important discovery. In the summer of 2023, the family returned to the site to help Dr. Lyson's team of paleontologists excavate the fossil.

This young T. rex offers a rare insight into the early life of one of the most iconic dinosaurs, its development, and the ecosystems in which it lived.

“This discovery is particularly exciting because the majority of Tyrannosaurus rex the discoveries were made by adults. Having fossils of a younger animal to study will shed light on certain aspects of dinosaur life, such as growth patterns,” Lyson said. “Plus, by embracing their passions and the thrill of discovery, three young scientists have made an incredible dinosaur discovery that advances science, deepens our understanding of the natural world, and inspires other explorers and future scientists.”

After Teen Rex's meticulous excavation and extraction using a Black Hawk helicopter to lift the 5,000-pound fossil block and protective plaster casing last summer, the team of paleontologists, fossil preparers and Museum volunteers will now begin the process of cleaning the skeleton. and prepare the fossils for scientific study.

The Museum would like to recognize the presenting sponsor of our exhibition, Chevron. The Museum also acknowledges the generous support of the Genesee Mountain Foundation.

Available for interviews:

• Dr. Tyler Lyson, associate curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

• Natalie Toth, chief fossil preparer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Visitors can view the fossil in the “Discovering Teen Rex” temporary exhibit and relive this incredible story, with real-life footage of the discovery featured in the film “T. REX,” opening June 21 on screen Museum's giant Infinity Theater.

Press kit:

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About the Denver Museum of Nature and Science:

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region's premier resource for formal and informal science education. Many of the museum's educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metropolitan area through the Science and Cultural Facilities District. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Connect with the Museum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Catalyst.