Related: Dinosaurs Alive! Pre-historic creatures invade the Louisville Zoo in March / Louisville Zoo receives additional $2 million for Glacier Run project from J. Graham Brown Foundation
A herd of 16 robotic dinosaurs never before seen at the Louisville Zoo was unleashed.
They arrived in preparation for the March 22 opening of Dinosaurs Alive!, an exhibit that will feature the giant Brachiosaurus, the menacing Tyrannosaurus rex, the fierce Deinonychus whose name means “Terrible Claw,” and the Cryolophosaurus which has been nicknamed the “Elvisaurus” because the large crest atop its skull resembles the iconic hair of Elvis Presley.
Through the magic of incredible, futuristic technology, the mammoth, life-like animatronic creatures that roar, snarl and move will depict a full-blown dino-reality experience to visitors as they travel back in time along a lush, winding pathway where the enormous primeval creatures lurk at every turn.
The robotic dinosaurs are built on steel frames by Billings Productions of McKinney, Texas, and high-tech electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs’ menacing claws and gnashing teeth while a booming sound system gives them their distinctive roars and chirps. One of the animatronic creatures can even be operated by visitors using a remote control box.
Dinosaurs Alive! will open March 22 and will continue through September 30. A special attraction fee of $5 applies for non-members in addition to regular Zoo admission and $4 for Louisville Zoo members. Children age 2 and under are free. Groups of 15 or more may call (502) 238-5348 in advance for group discounts.
In a revenue-sharing partnership with Billings Productions, Dinosaurs Alive! is similar to other new attraction partnerships at the Zoo like Sky Trail High Adventure Course and the 4-D Ride Theater.
For more information about Dinosaurs Alive!, visit www.louisvillezoo.org.
About Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Get up-to-date information about the Zoo’s upcoming Glacier Run exhibit by checking out our new Glacier Run blog. You can also show your love for the Louisville Zoo by becoming a fan on Facebook and Twitter.
Photos by Kara Bussabarger