Don’t Buy a T-Rex Before You Read This!

John M
Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs
4 min readJul 18, 2023
The Free Dinosaur Encyclopedia

The Pros and Cons of Adopting a T-Rex

I know you have a few extra million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, and you’re eager to find that unusual chachka to fill that empty space in your foyer. So, you’re probably considering picking up a T-Rex fossil to impress your friends. But hold on a moment… before you embark on this prehistoric adventure, there are several crucial factors to consider. Purchasing a T-Rex is not like buying a conventional pet or a decorative piece — it comes with a host of considerations that extend far beyond impressing your friends.

First, you want to think about your pet’s pedigree. You want to know that it came from a responsible and ethical provider. Recent controversies, such as the seizure of illegally collected Mongolian dinosaurs, highlight the importance of ensuring the legal acquisition and parentage of these ancient artifacts. Before you embark on your quest to become a T-Rex owner, be sure that it was acquired legally and honestly. There’s nothing worse than giving up an animal once you’ve become attached.

Keep in mind the trade in rare fossils is subject to strict regulations and guidelines, with legal restrictions varying from country to country. Thoroughly research the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction to ensure compliance with all necessary requirements. Respecting the cultural heritage, scientific significance, and preservation efforts associated with these fossils is a given.

Financial implications cannot be overlooked either. Acquiring a genuine T-Rex skeleton is an investment that can cost millions, if not tens of millions, of dollars. And that’s not even taking into account the ongoing costs of maintenance, preservation, and insurance. It is essential to carefully assess your budget, considering not only the initial purchase price but also the long-term financial commitments associated with owning such a rare and valuable specimen. Be sure to check with your accountant and lawyer. You wouldn’t want the bank repossessing a claw and a leg.

Next, let’s consider the practicalities of owning a T-Rex. These giant creatures dominated the Earth millions of years ago, they are not exactly suited for a domestic lifestyle. A T-Rex is not a typical pet that you can feed, groom, or take for a walk. You won’t need the world’s biggest litterbox, but you do need to provide an entire ecosystem, extensive security measures, and specialized care that only experts can provide.

Additionally, have you considered whether your home has the rigid structural strength to support such a massive beast? The first step might be to consult your architect. Housing a T-Rex skeleton may require extra support in the floor and ceiling with structural integrity to support its weight and size. Extensive planning, modifications, and consultation with the help of experts may be necessary to create a suitable environment for such a monumental display.

Moreover, consider what’s expected from you by the world of dinosaur fans. Owning a T-Rex skeleton comes with public scrutiny and expectations. You will have taken on the responsibility of being a custodian of a priceless piece of natural history, expected to adhere to the highest standards of conservation and ethical stewardship.

Sharing your fossil with researchers, museums, and the public would be expected of someone owning such a remarkable artifact. Engaging in scientific collaborations and promoting public education about dinosaurs. Inviting the public into your living room to view it can help fulfill these responsibilities.

Before impulsively rushing to purchase a T-Rex, take the time to thoroughly consider all the practical, legal, financial, and ethical aspects involved. Check with experts, consult with paleontologists, legal advisors, and financial professionals. After all that you may want to explore alternative ways to appreciate and contribute to the scientific study of these ancient creatures, maybe by buying a ticket to the next Jurassic Park movie instead.

Remember, owning a T-Rex is a tremendous responsibility — one that extends far beyond the confines of your personal enjoyment. Even though you own it, painting it red to match the curtains would be a faux pas.

So, before you set out to bring home a T-Rex, pause, reflect, and make a well-informed decision. Consider the legal and ethical implications, assess the financial feasibility, and carefully evaluate the practicalities of ownership. Engage with experts, respect the cultural and scientific significance of these fossils, and ensure responsible stewardship.

Owning a T-Rex is an extraordinary endeavor, one that requires deep consideration and a commitment to preserving the wonders of our prehistoric past for generations to come. And this is one pet you won’t flush down the toilet when you’re tired of it.

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John M
Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs

Journalist, horseman, teacher. (PLEASE READ AND NOT FOLLOW RATHER THAN FOLLOW AND NOT READ!)