Mysterious 154-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossil Juliasaurus Debuts at Hollytrees Museum in Colchester

Hollytrees Museum in Colchester, U.K., has unveiled a 154-million-year-old dinosaur fossil known as Juliasaurus, although its exact species remains unknown. This theropod measures 20 feet in length and weighs approximately 1,300 pounds. Discovered in 2020 within Wyoming's Morrison Formation, the fossil was sold by the London gallery David Aaron to a private collector two years prior, with speculation that it pays tribute to a family member of the owner. It will be showcased in the "Discover: Museum Wonders" exhibition until November, marking the first dinosaur exhibition in Essex county's second-largest city. Initially classified as either an Allosaurus or Marshosaurus, Juliasaurus exhibits unique anatomical features that may indicate a new species. David Aaron seeks to enhance scientific access to fossils.