MEMPHIS, TENN. - This spring, the past comes to life as the Memphis Zoo opens an all new, yet prehistoric, exhibit "Dinosaurs," featuring 15 animatronic creatures. This attraction will be open March 10 through July 8, 2012.
The Zoo partnered with Billings Productions, a company specializing in dinosaur exhibits for various attractions throughout the country, including Audubon Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, San Diego Zoo and many others.
"Many people may remember the dinosaur exhibit the Memphis Zoo had in the 90s," said Dr. Chuck Brady, Memphis Zoo President and CEO. "The new exhibit will be outdoors, and the dinosaurs themselves will be much more advanced than what we featured before."
Different from many other dinosaur exhibits, these utilize a hydraulic motion system, making them lower maintenance, sustainable outdoors and their movements more life-like.
"Dinosaurs" will feature a total of 15 different dinosaurs in a special exhibit area, positioned west of the current waterfowl exhibit. This area will include a jungle atmosphere, which simulates dinosaurs in their pre-historic habitat, a dinosaur video and an archaeological dig for children to learn how these creatures were discovered.
This exhibit also opens the door to a new conservation message for children of all ages. The Zoo's Education Department will create field trip and class options that give students a hands-on lesson about these creatures and how important it is to preserve the species we have today so they aren't lost to extinction.
Companies and organizations will also have the option of holding private events in this area such as birthday parties, corporate outings and even cocktail parties.
"We're very excited to see what this exhibit will be able to do for the Zoo as a whole," Brady said. "We have the opportunity to give our visitors a message in conservation while giving everyone another reason to visit the Zoo."
Admission to "Dinosaurs" will be $3 for Memphis Zoo members and $4 for nonmembers.
