The fossilized skull of Irritator challengeri, a spinosaurid dinosaur about 113 million years old, will be returned to Brazil by a museum in Stuttgart, Germany, following a joint declaration in early May 2026 by both countries [1]. The Stuttgart Museum of Natural History purchased the skull in 1991, and it is considered the most complete known spinosaurid skull [1].
Brazilian law from 1942 states that fossils found in Brazil belong to the state. Since 1990, they cannot be legally exported without a permit and collaboration with Brazilian scientific institutions. The skull’s exact excavation date and how it left Brazil remain unclear, raising legal and ethical questions over its possession by the German museum [1].
A global campaign advocated for the fossil’s repatriation, including an open letter signed by 263 experts and an online petition with over 34,000 public signatures [1]. Brazilian paleontologist Prof Aline Ghilardi called the planned return "an important and positive step," describing it as "a major achievement in the broader context of global restitution efforts" [1].
The genus name Irritator and species challengeri were officially assigned to the skull in 1996 after detailed study [1]. The repatriation reflects cooperation between Brazil and Germany regarding scientific and cultural assets.
The return process is expected to proceed swiftly following the official agreement, with the fossil ultimately rejoining Brazil’s scientific heritage.
