Three young fossil hunters aged seven to 10 made a remarkable discovery while on a family hike in 2022 – rare fossils of a young tyrannosaurus rex. A fossil from that discovery is now set to be on public display for the first time at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, coinciding with the cinematic release of a documentary about the find titled “T. rex,” which will be shown on the museum’s giant-screen ‘Infinity Theater’ on June 21 – also when the temporary display will open to the public.

The discovery was made in the North Dakota Badlands while the two young brothers, Jessin and Liam, were hiking with their father, Sam Fisher, and cousin, Kaiden Madsen. After the find, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science Paleontologist, Tyler Lyson, helped identify what was found, later returning with the boys to the site in 2023 for excavation. The discovery was deemed a significant moment for science as only a handful of juvenile T. rex skeletons have ever been found.

“By going outside and embracing their passions and the thrill of discovery, these boys have made an incredible dinosaur discovery that advances science and deepens our understanding of the natural world,” said Dr. Lyson. “I’m excited for Museum guests to dig into the “Teen Rex Discovery” experience, which I think will inspire the imagination and wonder, not only our community, but around the world!”

Those who want a sneak peak of the fossil should know that the public can also currently see the fossil being prepped for display during a visit to the Museum.

Learn more about this happening here and find more information about visiting the Denver Museum of Nature and Science here.

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