A Paleontologist Snuck a Marriage Proposal into a Paper About a New Dinosaur

Yesterday, I spoke with paleontologist Caleb Brown about his research into a bizarre new Triceratops-like dinosaur called Regaliceratops peterhewsi. We spoke about some of the animal's extraordinary features, which include a spectacularly crown-like frill that was likely used to attract mates.

As it turns out, however, I was too focused on the study's details to notice that Brown had included a romantic note of his own in the acknowledgements. "C.M.B. would specifically like to highlight the ongoing and unwavering support of Lorna O'Brien," Brown wrote. "Lorna, will you marry me?"

This is the most romantic dinosaur-themed proposal since the paleontologist Lee Hall proposed to his girlfriend and fellow paleontologist Ashley Fragomeni by re-enacting a scene from Jurassic Park. Just look at these two crazy lovebirds—or love-pterosaurs, more accurately.

A very Mesozoic proposal. Credit: Paleeoguy/YouTube

It will warm your heart to know that Lorna O'Brien was as won over by Brown's adorably geeky proposal as Fragomeni was by Hall popping the question in full Jurassic Park regalia. Brown confirmed to the CBC that though O'Brien was a bit astonished at first, "she said yes."

Paleontologists spend their careers digging for fossilized treasures around the world, but if this new trend of incredibly cute proposals is any indication, it seems they have no trouble recognizing the gems right in front of them.