Twenty-three prehistoric creatures will descend onto the Zoo’s Desert Lives Trail and offer guests an unforgettable self-guided expedition into the land of the lost.
“Dinosaurs in the Desert” will open to ACNC/Phoenix Zoo members on October 3 – 5, with the general public grand opening taking place October 6 – 8, 2017. The exhibit will be $4 for Phoenix Zoo members and $5 for general public, and will take approximately 25-30 minutes to roam – or spend longer if you choose! The self-guided tour includes the animatronic dinosaur structures which move and make various sounds including the infamous roar of a tyrannosaurus rex. Guests will also have the chance to become a paleontologist as they sift through a fossil dig in search of ancient artifacts.
Several of the dinosaurs are custom painted to represent colors and patterns of today’s Arizona desert animals. Below are just a few of the exciting patterns that are represented:
Carnotaurus painted like a jaguar
Edomontonia painted like a Gila monster
Coelophysis painted like a Gamble’s quail
Diabloceratops painted like a desert spiny lizard
Citipati painted like a Chiricahua leopard frog
Also featured among the custom painted dinosaurs will be the two grand prize winners whose designs were chosen from more than 1,000 entries. The Stegosaurus mother and baby will proudly display these amazing works of art.
As part of the exhibit, educational signage will also be found with each dinosaur, highlighting size and interesting facts known about that particular species, including how their adaptations compare to modern species. Interpretive guides from the ACNC/Phoenix Zoo as well as local experts will be on hand to answer guest inquiries and provide insight into the fascinating world of the prehistoric era.
Dinosaurs in the Desert will also be on open during several of the Zoo’s upcoming events, including Roars & Pours, Howl-O-Ween and the Zoo’s annual holiday light show; ZooLights.
Dino-fever has spread across the Valley as several local companies are sponsoring the seven-month long exhibit. Fry’s Food Stores, Coca-Cola, Groupon, Pogo Pass, Risas Dental and Braces and Tutor Time Child Care Learning Centers are great supporters of the Zoo and this exciting experience.
For more details and information please visit http://www.phoenixzoo.org/event-items/dinosaurs-in-the-desert/
