Dinosaurs Alive! (Almost) in Louisville Zoo Exhibit
Modern technology brings ancient animals to the Louisville Zoo in late March as the zoo hosts Dinosaurs Alive!
The display, which runs through the end of September, features robotic recreations of 16 dinos, including
the giant Brachiosaurus, which stood up to 50 feet tall and weighed as much as six elephants; Deinonychus, whose name means "Terrible Claw"; Cryolophosaurus, whose large skulltop crest resembled an Elvis Presley-like pompadour and gave the beast the nickname "Elvisaurus"; and, of course, Tyrannosaurus rex, the "tyrant lizard" who ruled the carniverous landscape 65 million years ago and the Jurassic Park movies of the 1990s.
Making its first appearance at the Louisville Zoo, Dinosaurs Alive! uses futuristic technology that makes the animatronic creatures seem to come alive, roaring, snarling and moving. Zoo visitors will find both adult and juvenile dinos — even a nest with eggs and hatchlings.
The robotic dinosaurs were built on steel frames by Billings Productions of McKinney, Texas.
The exhibit also includes a mock paleontologist dig site where youngsters can excavate dinosaur fossils, using brushes and sifters to search for clues about the lives of dinosaurs.
There is an extra "special attraction" fee to see the dinosaurs: $4 for zoo members and $5 for non-members. Children 2 and under are free, and groups of 15 or more may call (502) 238-5348 in advance for group discounts.
Regular zoo admission (not including Dinosaurs Alive!) is $11.95 for adults 12–59 and $8.95 for children 3–11 and seniors 60 and over. Children 2 and under are free.
The dinosaur exhibit also brings with it Shopasaurus — a new gift shop at the exhibit’s exit stocked with Jurassic Era's finest toys, games and souvenirs.
Posted on Jan 25, 2011 by Bill Wolfe
