Dr. Nizar Ibrahim

J. Karson Key
May 3, 2016
2 min read

Though we like to factor in paleobiological accuracy into our reviews of dinosaur pop culture, Of a Mesozoic Mind is not about hard science. After we attended Dr. Nizar Ibrahim’s National Geographic-sponsored lecture—Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous – in Chicago back in October, there was some contemplation on whether or not to engage in a review as part of our “Field Trip” series. After all, we’ve taken a deep dive on Cliff the Colossal Fossil and Discover the Dinosaurs in the past—and that’s not too different than Ibrahim’s engagement, right? Ultimately, we decided against it—and it was for the best since it would have come across as the greatest fluff piece in the history of dinosaur-related reviews. Simply put, Dr. Ibrahim couldn’t have done any better—it was the best lecture that I had ever witnessed, inclusive of my time at university. It was engaging—which is great; it was boiling over with energy and enthusiasm—which is great; and there wasn’t anything worthy of making fun of—which is NOT great for Of a Mesozoic Mind.

The recent cover story for the May 2016 issue of Discover magazine featured Dr. Nizar Ibrahim’s rediscovery of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus—the same focal point of the lecture this past Fall. It’s the same focal point told in the NOVA documentary Bigger than T.Rex. It’s a story that you probably know by now (especially if you are reading this blog):

Man discovers amazing rare dinosaur.

Man happens to live in Nazi Germany.

Bombs destroy fossils.

Man’s academic legacy fades into obscurity.

German-Moroccan paleontologist re-discovers bones of a similar beast nine decades later.

Man’s legacy is restored.

That man was Dr. Ernst Stomer. The re-discoverer was the even greater Dr. Nizar Ibrahim. It’s a truly awe-inspiring series of events; equal parts Indiana Jones and Dr. Alan Grant. But the story goes beyond fossil excavations in the harsh deserts of Morocco; it’s about establishing a scientific class in a part of the world that doesn’t embrace it’s biodiversity with a fervor befitting of its unique place in the history of living things. Ibrahim is a man that is changing the world of paleontology—and the greater world.

The point of this entry? Well friends, Of a Mesozoic Mind is committed to discussing the best and worst marriages of Dinosauria and pop culture—and Dr. Nizar Ibrahim is becoming the closest thing that we have to a pop culture star in actual world of Dinosauria. We believe that we are in the midst of what could become paleontology’s most recognizable face since…well…Dr. Ross Geller. Ibrahim’s accolades continue to pour in—the first ever paleontologist to be a TED Fellow, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, etc. etc. – but, when all is said and done, Of a Mesozoic Mind (well, maybe the great grand-version of Of a Mesozoic Mind) believes that there is a high probability that we could be reviewing a biopic dedicated to Dr. Nizar Ibrahim—paleontology’s greatest rock star—in the next few decades. You heard it here first. Apologies to Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ross Geller...