Tyra the Tyrannosaurus, the well-known giant statue in Drumheller, Alberta, could be taken down. A major check this year will decide her future. The Canadian Press
Drumheller’s famous dinosaur, Tyra the Tyrannosaurus, might not stand much longer unless an upcoming inspection says otherwise. This fall, engineers will carefully assess her structure to decide if she can continue towering over the town or needs to be removed.
Mayor Heather Colberg confirmed that the technical review is moving ahead. The results will help decide Tyra’s future. Colberg, who is stepping down this fall, hopes a decision can be made before she leaves office.
What the Test Will Show
The engineering study will check if Tyra is strong enough to remain standing. It will also reveal if she needs repairs or major upgrades. If she only needs a new outer layer or some surface fixes, her future may be safe. But if she’s at risk of falling apart, then the situation becomes much more serious.
“If they come back and say she could collapse, that’s a different story,” said Colberg. “But if she’s good for another 30 years with a bit of work, then we’ll know what to do.”
A Giant Tourist Favourite
Tyra is not your average T. Rex. She’s four times bigger than the real dinosaur and has stood tall for over 25 years. Around 150,000 tourists visit her each year, and many climb the 106 stairs to stand in her mouth and enjoy the view.
Located near the intersection of Gorgosaurus Street and Tyrannosaurus Drive, she’s surrounded by fun shops selling dino-themed toys, shirts, and even fossil-shaped snacks. The dinosaur stands on town land, but the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce owns her.
Possible Shutdown in 2029
The Chamber has said Tyra will be taken down in 2029 when the current lease ends. That announcement upset many people across Canada. Over 25,000 signatures have been collected in a petition to save her.
In April, the town, the Chamber, and Travel Drumheller agreed to work together to find a solution. The upcoming engineering study is the first major step in that process.
Hope for Tyra's Survival
Mayor Colberg remains hopeful that Tyra can be saved. “I’d be amazed if she’s not,” she said. “There has to be a way. I’m not giving up.”
Drumheller, with a population of 8,400, calls itself the Dinosaur Capital of the World. It’s home to the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum and many dinosaur statues placed throughout the town. Some of them look like they’ve come straight out of a cartoon.
Colberg said she was surprised—but not really—that Tyra’s uncertain future got national attention. “People love the dinosaurs. It’s why they come here,” she said. “When you say you have the world’s largest dinosaur, people expect to see it.”
