Dinosauria Returns To Detroit Zoo
ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - More than 30 life-like animatronic dinosaurs that roar, snarl and move have taken up residence at the Detroit Zoo to provide a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.
"Dinosauria" is open now through Labor Day.
Zoo officials say the popular summer attraction is 50 percent bigger than Dinosauria in 2009.
"Dinosauria is an exciting, amazing adventure for kids and families, and this year's experience provides a mega-dose of Vitamin Z," Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director Ron Kagan said in a statement. "Sixty-five million years after the last dinosaur species became extinct, these prehistoric creatures still capture the imagination and wonder of adults and kids alike."
The robotic dinosaurs are built on steel frames by Billings Productions of McKinney, Texas, and covered with intricately painted foam rubber skin.
High-tech electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs' menacing claws and gnashing teeth while a booming sound system gives them their "voices."
Visitors enter a veritable "Zoorassic Park" as they travel back in time along a lush, winding, three-acre DinoTrail recreating prehistoric life.
Enormous primeval creatures lurk at every turn, including adult dinosaurs, youngsters and even a nest with eggs and hatchlings.
Guests exit the experience through a fog-filled abandoned mine shaft to go "back to the future."
A dino dig site and fossil sifting station give budding paleontologists the opportunity to search for clues about the lives of dinosaurs. Kids can also walk through a dinosaur rib cage and compare their footprints with those of an Iguanodon.
Knowledgeable Zoo volunteers, called DinoGuides, are stationed at education carts along the DinoTrail where guests can examine dinosaur skulls, teeth, claws and other biofacts.
The DinoStore at the DinoTrail's exit is stocked with dinosaur-themed T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, games, gifts and other tempting remembrances to help visitors take the dino experience home.
The Dinosauria fun extends to the DinoSimulator at the Wild Adventure Ride, located in the Ford Education Center, with "Dino Island" and "Dino Island II: Escape from Dino Island."
The Wild Adventure 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 (three feet) tall, and it is recommended that they be at least 5 years of age or older.
Dinosauria is open daily through Labor Day, 9:30 am to 5 pm (until 8 pm Wednesdays during July and August).
Tickets are $4 with Zoo admission for visitors ages 2 and older and are available at main admissions, the Dinosauria ticket booth or online at www.detroitzoo.org.
