Maiasaura

Pronunciation: my-uh-SAWR-ruh

Maiasaura peeblesorum

“good mother lizard”

With the discovery of Maiasaura in Montana in the late 1970s came the first evidence of parental care in dinosaurs. In addition to adult fossils, researchers found fossilized eggs, hatchlings and juveniles, suggesting Maiasaura offspring continued to live near their parents after hatching.

The discovery location, now known as Egg Mountain, revealed multiple nests, which implies that Maiasaura may have nested in colonies and lived in herds.

Where found: United States, Canada

Geologic time frame: Late Cretaceous, 86 – 70 million years ago

Diet: herbivore

Habitat: forests, floodplains, coastal areas

Length: 23 – 30 ft  

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The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.

Plan your visit today!

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.