Tyra T-Rex: Drumheller's Iconic Dinosaur Secures Future

It's March 26.

You're listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.

A recent engineering checkup on Tyra, the 25-meter tall Tyrannosaurus Rex statue in Drum

Heller, Alberta, found her structurally sound and safe for visitors despite some age-related

woes like water build-up, breathing troubles from poor ventilation, heat issues, and surface

cracks.

The report details problems such as pooling water near her ears and mouth, sun damage

on the south side, rust spots, missing nets on columns, and groutware under a front leg

with initial fixes costing $154,000 and ongoing maintenance in the hundreds of thousands.

Over the years, locals rallied hard against plans to dismantle Tyra when her lease ends

in 2029, gathering 25,000 signatures on a petition.

To save the icon that draws crowds to the dinosaur capital of the world, home to 8,400

people, and the Royal Terrell Museum.

Town leaders in the Chamber of Commerce, which owns the attraction on Townland, breathe

the sigh of relief, calling her a healthy, 25-year-old and outlining a maintenance road

map through 2029 to keep her standing strong.

Now with this clear path forward, officials plan to review options and welcome funded ideas

for her future, ensuring Drum Heller's beloved Tyrax Roars.

Time for tourists far and wide.