A nearly complete dinosaur skeleton, estimated at 150 million years old, is now on view at the Hollytrees Museum in Colchester. The specimen, nicknamed 'Juliasaurus,' measures over 20 feet in length and represents one of the most significant paleontological finds of the last five years.
Excavated in 2020 from the Morrison Formation in Wyoming, the fossil is approximately 75% intact. Experts suggest this level of preservation is exceptionally rare, as paleontologists typically recover only fragmented remains from this era.
“In this case, we have three-quarters of the dinosaur,” said Chris McKean, a paleontologist at Colchester Museums. “It is the most complete dinosaur that has been found in the last five years.”
Potential new species discovery
Preliminary analysis indicates the animal is related to the Allosaurus, a dominant predator of the Jurassic period. However, unique anatomical features in the skull, pelvis, and vertebrae suggest the specimen may not fit into any previously documented species.
McKean explained that the dinosaur thrived in what is now the United States during the middle of the Jurassic period. The creature weighed roughly 600 kilograms and relied on a distinct hunting strategy compared to the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
“Its teeth and the structure of its skull suggest it hunted with quick, slashing bites rather than the crushing attacks associated with the T-Rex,” McKean noted.
'Juliasaurus' serves as a temporary moniker until researchers finalize their formal classification. The name combines the Greek term for lizard, 'saurus,' with Julia, the private owner of the skeleton. Once formal research concludes, the specimen will receive an official scientific name.
The fossil was sold to a private collector in 2024 through the London-based David Aaron gallery. The owner has since placed the skeleton on a long-term loan to the Hollytrees Museum, allowing the public to view the remains while scientific study continues.
