Cage VS DiCaprio - Dinosaur Bidding War

Cage VS DiCaprio – Dinosaur Bidding War

In 2015, The Dinosaur Bidding War news broke. Actor Nicolas Cage had purchased a rare dinosaur skull for $276,000 at an auction. The 67 million-year-old skull, Tyrannosaurus bataar, had been smuggled out of Mongolia. It was illegally brought to the United States before being seized by the government.

While Cage’s purchase of the dinosaur skull grabbed attention. So… not the first time a celeb had made headlines for buying prehistoric artifacts. In 2007, Leonardo DiCaprio purchased a dinosaur skull.

DiCaprio had reportedly purchased a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus bataar skull from a fossil dealer in Beverly Hills for $276,000. This was the same amount that Cage paid for his skull. However, after the skull was discovered to have been illegally smuggled out of Mongolia. DiCaprio voluntarily turned it over to authorities and it was later returned to Mongolia.

The trade and collection of fossils and prehistoric artifacts is a complicated and often controversial issue. Many countries, including Mongolia, have strict laws in place to protect their natural resources. This prevents the illegal excavation and trafficking of fossils. The smuggling of fossils out of their country of origin is a serious crime. It can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment.

While it’s certainly interesting to think about celebrities owning dinosaur bones, it’s important to remember the bigger picture. The illegal trade of fossils can have serious consequences for the scientific study of prehistoric life. Also for the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage.

In recent years, there have been increasing efforts to crack down on the illegal trade of fossils. Promoting ethical and responsible fossil collecting practices. This includes initiatives to increase public awareness of the issue, as well as stricter regulations and enforcement.

As for Cage and DiCaprio, it’s unclear whether they still own any fossils or prehistoric artifacts. However, their respective purchases of the tyrannosaurus bataar skulls serve as a reminder. The extreme importance of responsible fossil collecting practices. The need for greater awareness and action to protect our planet’s natural resources.