In what may prove to be a landmark decision for paleontology, German officials announced this week that they will be returning a one-of-a-kind feathered dinosaur to Brazil, the country where the fossil was discovered.

Known as Ubirajara jubatus, the dinosaur lived more than 100 million years ago. Unlike any other prehistoric creature, Ubirajara had long, spear-like feathers jutting out of its shoulders, which it most likely used in displays to jockey for social status or woo mates, just as some modern birds do. The prominent feathers gave the dinosaur its name: Ubirajara means “lord of the spear” in Brazil’s indigenous Tupi language.

The find was lauded when it was formally described in a scientific paper in late 2020. But almost as soon