Ep 11. Raising the Dinosaur Giant

In the 34th season of the popular documentary series, Nature, episode 11 named Raising the Dinosaur Giant takes audiences on an enthralling journey through the world of dinosaur fossils and the scientists who study them.

Over the years, dinosaur fossils have been discovered all across the globe, from Africa to China, offering tantalizing glimpses into a time long gone. The episode follows renowned paleontologist Dr. Nizar Ibrahim as he explores some of the largest and most fascinating dinosaur fossils in the world.

One of the primary focuses of the episode is Spinosaurus, a dinosaur that lived approximately 95 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period. Despite its massive size - roughly 50 feet long and weighing up to 9 tons - very little was known about Spinosaurus until a remarkable discovery was made on the banks of the River Tafilalt in Morocco.

The discovery of a partial Spinosaurus skeleton, including its distinctive sail, provided scientists with an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about this mysterious creature. However, there was a catch: the bones had been smuggled out of the country and were being sold on the black market.

Dr. Ibrahim, then a graduate student living in America, learned of the sale and quickly alerted the Moroccan government. In the years that followed, efforts were made to recover the bones and bring them back to Morocco. These efforts finally paid off in 2020 when the bones were returned and placed in a museum in Casablanca.

Dr. Ibrahim was one of the key scientists involved in the recovery effort, and in Raising the Dinosaur Giant, he speaks at length about the significance of the Spinosaurus find. Through a combination of detailed analysis of the fossils and cutting-edge computer modeling, scientists have been able to gain a much greater understanding of how Spinosaurus lived and moved.

The episode also features other exciting dinosaur discoveries, including one of the largest dinosaurs ever found, the Argentinosaurus, which is believed to have weighed as much as 100 tons. We follow scientists as they piece together the bones of this enormous creature, painting a vivid picture of what it was like to live alongside such giants.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning imagery, including breathtaking aerial shots of the Sahara Desert, where many dinosaur fossils have been found. Dr. Ibrahim's infectious enthusiasm for his work shines through, making even the most complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.

Overall, Raising the Dinosaur Giant is a fascinating exploration of the world of dinosaur fossils and the science behind them. Combining stunning visuals with passionate storytelling, it's a must-watch for anyone with an interest in these incredible beasts from the past.