Just recently, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science came upon an astounding discovery – right below the surface of their own parking lot. The museum has become the go-to destination for young and old dinosaur enthusiasts. Most recently, it excavated its oldest and deepest dino fossil to date, digging over 750 feet deep to test geothermal heating potential.
This surprising discovery happened in a single borehole that was just a few inches across. The fossil, believed to be from a duck-billed dinosaur or a thescelosaurus, offers insights into the prehistoric environment of the area. Patrick O’Connor, the museum’s curator of vertebrate paleontology, is reconstructing the overall healthy animal lived and colonized a swampy setting. It must have certainly enjoyed the lush, vegetative environment.
The museum has recently discovered parts of dozens of Tyrannosaurus rex and other triceratops-type fossils in the area. This recent find is especially special. The museum’s staff first found it hard to get a sense of the chances of hitting a dinosaur fossil in such a tiny borehole.
James Hagadorn, the curator of geology at the museum, said he was thrilled by the discovery. He termed it “incredible” and “super rare.” He noted that only two other similar discoveries have been documented from borehole samples elsewhere in the world.
“Finding a dinosaur bone in a core is like hitting a hole in one from the moon. It’s like winning the Willy Wonka factory. It’s incredible, it’s super rare.” – James Hagadorn
Thomas Williamson, the curator of paleontology at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, who recognized the excitement surrounding the discovery. He noted that, although surprising, the discovery is “scientifically not that exciting.”
Hagadorn explained how important that finding is. He stated how much he wants to excavate more of the dinosaur, if possible. He recognized the realities of on-the-ground limitations, especially the need to keep parking garages serving museum visitors.
“I would love to dig a 763-foot hole in the parking lot to excavate that dinosaur, the rest of it. But I don’t think that’s going to fly because we really need parking.” – James Hagadorn
The finding only adds to the incredible paleontological history of the Denver metropolitan area. As researchers continue to analyze the fossil and its context, it serves as a reminder of the mysteries still hidden beneath urban landscapes.