Cruzy, France – A stunning discovery made by Damien Boschetto in 2022 has now come to light. While walking his dog in the forests of Montouliers, near his home in Cruzy, southern France, Boschetto stumbled upon a nearly complete skeleton of a long-necked titanosaur, estimated to be around 70 million years old.
These titanosaurs, belonging to the sauropod dinosaur family, were among the largest terrestrial animals ever known, comparable in size to modern whales. Fossils of titanosaurs have been found on all continents except Antarctica, showcasing their wide distribution during the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Boschetto, a self-taught enthusiast of paleontology, found exposed bone fossils during a routine walk, eventually leading to the excavation of a 30-foot-long titanosaur skeleton. Working alongside the Archaeological and Paleontological Cultural Association at the Cruzy Museum, Boschetto kept the discovery under wraps to protect the site from potential damage or looting.
The excavation process was challenging, as the team had to carefully extract the fossils from hard sedimentary rock to preserve the integrity of the find. Despite the difficulties, Boschetto hopes that the titanosaur skeleton will be a flagship exhibit at the Cruzy Museum, allowing the public to marvel at the anatomical details of the dinosaur.
Following his groundbreaking discovery, Boschetto made a career shift from the energy sector to pursue a master’s degree in paleontology, highlighting his dedication to furthering his research in Cruzy. Francis Fage, founder of the Cruzy Museum, commended Boschetto for his keen eye in uncovering such a rare and significant paleontological site.
The story of Boschetto’s remarkable find serves as a testament to the rich fossil heritage of Cruzy and the ongoing efforts to study and preserve these ancient remains. Amidst the lush forests of southern France, a piece of history dating back millions of years has been unearthed, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric world of the titanosaur and the dedicated individuals working to unravel its mysteries.