A healthy T-rex: Drumheller, Alta., dinosaur attraction safe and stable, report says

Tyra the Tyrannosaurus, the lovable landmark that towers over the Drumheller skyline in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, is pictured in Drumheller, Alta., Tuesday, April 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Tyra, the World’s Largest Dinosaur in Drumheller, Alta., is “safe, stable and ready to welcome visitors,” the community’s leaders say.

The news comes after the release of a formal structural report on the 25-metre tall painted Tyrannosaurus rex, which is approximately four times the size of its prehistoric precursor.

“We are very pleased the assessment confirmed that Tyra is a healthy 25-year-old Tyrannosaurus-Rex,” said Mayor Tony Miglecz of the Town of Drumheller in a statement.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The investigation was ordered by the town last summer to determine how much work — and money — would be needed to maintain the sculpture, which is also a big tourist attraction for the Badlands community.

The challenge began when the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) announced earlier last year it would be closing the attraction in December 2029.

The DDCC, while it owns the sculpture, leases the land that Tyra stands on from the town.

When the town heard about the decision, it opened discussions about the possibility of saving the beast.

The DDCC said the structural assessment was a priority in understanding what lies ahead.

“In March 2025, the DDCC announced it would refocus on its core mission of business advocacy and economic development and that operations of the visitor information centre and dinosaur attraction would conclude when its current lease agreement with the Town of Drumheller expires in December 2029,” the DDCC said on March 20.

“Completing a structural assessment was identified as the first step to better understand the attraction’s condition and expected longevity, so partners could begin to explore long-term options for the dinosaur.”

The structural assessment, conducted by Williams Engineering Canada Inc., said that while cracks and joints in the structure would need to be routinely sealed and “organic growth” from water pooling in Tyra’s ears and mouth would need to be addressed, she remains “a safe and viable attraction” through the end of the lease and “potentially beyond.”

• Beloved monster-sized Alberta dinosaur set for tests ahead of possible extinction
• Drumheller dinosaur decision was ‘a bit of shock,’ council says
• World’s Largest Dinosaur in Drumheller, Alta., to close in 2029

The DDCC invested $310,000 in restoration and painting to better maintain Tyra but said this type of work would be required every five to eight years.

“We welcome thoughtful, well-developed, funded proposals from those interested in helping shape what comes next when our lease concludes,” said Heather Bitz, executive director of the DDCC.

Miglecz said the town will further examine the data in the weeks ahead.

“Council will review the data and consider Tyra’s future and the role the town can play in it, while continuing to support the chamber, where reasonable.”

Tyra attracts approximately 150,000 visitors each year, many of whom pay admission to scale the steps inside the fiberglass and steel structure to reach a viewing platform set up inside the dino’s gaping maw.

At her base, guests can enjoy a gift shop for souvenirs, buy a treat from a nearby gift shop and access a visitor information centre.

With files from The Canadian Press