A giant dinosaur in Canada is facing an uncertain future, despite being declared safe and stable.
The massive structure, known as Tyra, stands 86 feet tall and weighs around 145,000 pounds. It is located in Drumheller, a small town in the Canadian Badlands known for its rich fossil history.
For over 25 years, Tyra has been one of the town’s biggest attractions. Visitors can even climb inside the Tyrannosaurus rex and look out from a viewing platform built into its mouth.
But now, time is running out. The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, which manages the site, has announced it will end its lease on the property in 2029. This has raised serious questions about what will happen to the iconic dinosaur.
Officials say they are working on a plan.
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“Completing a structural assessment was the first step,” the Chamber said in a recent update. “It helps us understand the condition of the attraction and explore long-term options.”
That assessment has now been completed, and the results are reassuring.
“Tyra is safe, stable, and ready to welcome visitors,” said Heather Bitz.
To extend its life, the town recently invested about $310,000 in repainting and restoration work. This was done to protect the structure during its final years under current management.
Tyra has been a major tourist draw since it officially opened on October 13, 2000. Over the years, millions of visitors have come to see the giant dinosaur up close.
The attraction is near the famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, known for its world-class collection of dinosaur fossils.
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Despite its popularity, Tyra is not an accurate representation of a real T. rex. In reality, Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaurs were much smaller. One of the largest known specimens, named Sue, measured about 42 feet long and stood about 13 feet tall.
Even so, Tyra’s larger-than-life size has made it a beloved landmark.
Now, its future is uncertain. According to earlier reports, the original lease agreement requires the structure to be removed upon the lease’s expiration in 2029. This has led to concerns that Tyra could be dismantled.
Officials are still exploring possible solutions, but options appear limited. Moving the dinosaur to another location is unlikely. Due to its massive size and complex structure, relocating it would be extremely difficult.
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“We don’t believe this is a feasible option,” Bitz said.
That leaves the town with a difficult decision. They must either find a new long-term arrangement for the site or prepare for the possibility that Tyra may not survive beyond the end of the lease.
However, the giant dinosaur continues to stand tall, welcoming visitors and watching over Drumheller. But behind its towering presence, an important question remains unanswered: how much longer will Tyra be part of the landscape?
