Detroit Zoo Ushers In Ice Age With 4-D Film

ROYAL OAK – Looking for something fun to do with the kids on Easter break? Detroit Zoo visitors can experience an adventure of mammoth proportions with "Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs", now showing at the 4-D Theater in the Wild Adventure Zone.

The sub-zero heroes from the worldwide blockbuster venture into a mysterious underground world after Sid the sloth stumbles across three abandoned eggs and decides to raise them as his own. Once the eggs hatch, the adventure begins in the lost world of the dinosaurs. The 14-minute film is voiced by an all-star cast, including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary and Queen Latifah.

Back for a return engagement and alternating with "Ice Age 3" at the 4-D Theater is "Great Escapes: Life in 4-D", which takes a look at the ingenious tactics animals have developed to survive and thrive in a danger-filled world.

Also returning this season is "Happy Feet: Mumble's Wild Ride" at the Simulator Ride in the Wild Adventure Zone. Mumble and his penguin friends race down the frozen cliffs of Antarctica at chilling speeds, and their icy journey turns into a suspenseful chase as they come face to face with the notorious Leopard Seal. The action-packed wild ride has a happy ending and is a cool, immersive experience for the entire family.

All three films are produced by SimEx-Iwerks, an entertainment company specializing in 4-D cinematic experiences. Click on "Attractions" at www.detroitzoo.org for the most up-to-date information and movie times.

The 126-seat 4-D Theater delivers a high-definition viewing experience in 3-D with 7.1 digital audio surround sound. The experience features a variety of sensory surprises that are built into the seats and theater environment, bringing on-screen images to life with 4-D effects such as mist, scents, back pokers, leg ticklers and seat vibrations. Some 4-D effects may be too intense for children 5 and under; parental discretion is advised. Tickets are $5 with Zoo admission for visitors ages 2 and older and are available at the main gate, the Wild Adventure Zone ticket booth or online.

The 30-seat Simulator Ride is an educational, action-packed thrill ride which offers a "you-are-there" experience from the comfort of a specially equipped, motion-simulated cabin. Passengers must be at least 36 inches (3 feet) tall, and it is recommended that they be at least 5 years of age or older. Tickets are $5 with Zoo admission and are available at the main gate, the Wild Adventure Zone ticket booth or online.

The Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. For more information, call 248-541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.