Iconic Drumheller tourist attraction may not have a final roar after all | Daily Hive

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The countdown to extinction for a popular Drumheller dinosaur might be on, but that doesn’t mean it’s going anywhere just yet.

Back in May 2025, the Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce (DDCC) announced that the iconic World’s Largest Dinosaur (WLD), known affectionately as Tyra, along with its adjoining gift shop and visitor information centre, would close in December 2029 following the end of the current lease term.

Since then, a structural assessment completed in September 2025 has confirmed the towering icon remains safe, stable, and in need of only routine, ongoing maintenance to preserve the fibreglass and steel structure.

“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 release.

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The structural review was completed as part of a broader collaborative process between the DDCC, the Town of Drumheller, and Travel Drumheller to better understand what the future may hold for Tyra as the 2029 lease expiry approaches.

“The dinosaur is safe, and we have a clear maintenance roadmap through 2029,” said Heather Bitz, executive director of the DDCC. “At the same time, we welcome thoughtful, well-developed, funded proposals from those interested in helping shape what comes next when our lease concludes.”

Tyra has stood over the town known for its prehistoric treasures for a quarter of a century. A towering symbol of Drumheller’s rich connection to dinosaur history and tourism, it attracts visitors from around the world. Tyra weighs in at 65 tonnes and stands at 25 metres, more than four times bigger than a real Tyrannosaurus Rex.

As for the near future, officials say the landmark remains open to visitors, who can still climb to the top for views of the Drumheller Valley.

You can read the full release online.