World’s Biggest T. Rex Skeleton Uncovered In Canada

There is little doubt that the Tyrannosaurus Rex is one of the largest and most terrifying predators that ever lived. But scientists had no idea just how large these dinosaurs could grow. Luckily, the remains of a gigantic T. Rex has been found in Canada and it is certainly the biggest skeleton ever discovered.

A T. Rex skeleton that was named specimen RSM P2523.8 was initially found in Saskatchewan about 30 years ago. However, new research has uncovered something truly remarkable about the fossil, which is now being called Scotty. The specimen is now officially the largest and most aged T. Rex ever discovered at an estimated 19,555 pounds (8,870 kg).

Scotty is currently on display at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

Scotty’s story certainly took several decades. Originally discovered in 1991, paleontologists only began trying to remove the skeleton three years later. The fossil was especially difficult to unearth because it was encased in compact, cement-like sandstone. Luckily, the scientists were able to recover around 65 percent of Scotty in the end.

So what’s so special about Scotty? In addition to being truly gigantic, the dinosaur also happens to be the oldest of its kind to be found. Bone analysis has revealed that Scotty was in his early 30s at the time of his death. By contrast, other T. Rex specimens were killed when they were much younger.

A T. Rex stands over a defeated Carnotaurus in ‘Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom’.

Scotty’s debut is something that scientists have been waiting for for a long time. Steven Brusatte, a University of Edinburgh paleontologist, expressed excitement over the dinosaur’s big reveal.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for the description of this awesome T. Rex fossil, as have many paleontologists,” Brusatte said. “It is one of the largest and oldest T. Rexes out there, and it gives us a glimpse at just how big T. Rex got during those last years of its life.”

A cast of Scotty’s skeleton is currently on display at the T. Rex Discovery Centre in Eastend.