Darren Tanke, a master of fossil preparation, shares a riveting journey into the heart of discovery with an intriguing specimen, the Gorgosaurus skull.

The specimen, an incredible find, presents challenges in preparation due to its proximity to the original field jacket. Tanke employs innovative techniques to overcome these challenges.

Facing the dilemma of not wanting to guess the location of bones when the specimen is flipped over, Tanke draws a red line around the skull, creating a buffer zone.

He then drills a series of spaced holes through the jacket along this line using a power drill, allowing for an accurate outline of the skull when the specimen is flipped. These holes serve as reference points throughout the preparation process.

Additionally, Tanke dedicates time to photographing the specimen from various angles, distances, and light levels. These photographs become valuable references for future researchers and aid in preparing the other side of the specimen.

As Tanke nears the completion of the preparation on one side of the Gorgosaurus, he fills holes, cracks, and undercuts in readiness for molding.

Special attention is given to the edges of the plaster jacket, which were not initially prepared for molding. Tanke fixes rough, undercut areas by gluing and applying a mixture of sand and silt to simulate rock texture.

Despite challenges, including the difficulty of capturing the specimen’s beautiful color qualities in photographs, Tanke’s dedication to meticulous preparation shines through. The Gorgosaurus skull, with its chestnut-brown to orangey-brown hues, reflects the incredible work of both nature and the preparatory.

Tanke’s journey of discovery, marked by innovation and attention to detail, stands as a testament to the fascinating world of paleontology.