Royal Tyrrell marks 40th anniversary with groundbreaking dinosaur discoveries

The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, is currently showcasing a new exhibit that highlights some of its most groundbreaking specimens. Titled Breakthroughs, the exhibit features five ancient fossils that represent only a fraction of the museum’s extensive collection. These specimens offer insights into the evolution of dinosaurs, their feeding habits, and the unique paleontological discoveries made in Alberta.

Lisa Making, the museum’s executive director, describes Breakthroughs as a celebration of the scientific discoveries made at the Royal Tyrrell Museum over the last 40 years. The exhibit aims to showcase what makes Alberta a unique location for paleontology and how the museum has contributed to the global understanding of prehistoric life.

The selection process for the five fossils featured in the exhibit was a challenging task, according to Craig Scott, the museum’s director of preservation and research. Ultimately, the team decided to focus on fossils from the Cretaceous period, a time when Alberta was rich in dinosaur diversity. One of the standout specimens is a well-preserved Mosasaurus missouriensis, a marine carnivore that lived around 75 million years ago. The fossil includes traces of cartilage and the animal’s last meal, providing valuable insights into its anatomy and diet.

Another highlight of the exhibit is a fossilized Ornithomimus, a theropod dinosaur that lived in Western Canada during the Cretaceous period. This specimen is significant as it represents the first North American dinosaur to show evidence of feathers, bridging the gap between dinosaurs and modern birds. The exhibit also features Borealopelta markmitchelli, an armored herbivore that lived 110 million years ago. This exceptionally well-preserved fossil offers a detailed look at the dinosaur’s armor and skin, providing valuable information about its anatomy and lifestyle.

In addition to these specimens, the exhibit includes a nesting site with the eggs of a Hypacrosaurus stebingeri and the remains of a young Gorgosaurus libratus. These fossils offer insights into dinosaur reproduction and predator-prey relationships during the Cretaceous period.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum, with its extensive collection of over 160,000 fossils and geological specimens, has become a must-visit destination for dinosaur enthusiasts worldwide. Visitors like Roger Palmer, a UK resident, are continually amazed by the museum’s rich history and the quality of its exhibits. Looking ahead, Lisa Making envisions further growth and expansion for the museum to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and continue showcasing Alberta’s remarkable paleontological resources.

Despite the challenges of managing growth, the Royal Tyrrell Museum remains committed to providing an enriching experience for visitors from around the world. The museum’s team is dedicated to preserving and sharing the wonders of paleontology, inspiring awe and wonder in visitors of all ages.