More than 40 lifelike animatronic dinosaurs that snarl and move – and some that spit – have taken up residence at the Detroit Zoo to provide a mega-dose of Vitamin Z for visitors of all ages. Dinosauria, presented by Children’s Hospital of Michigan, runs May 25 through Sept. 3, 2018. The blockbuster summer attraction – the largest outdoor dinosaur exhibit of its kind in the country – was last featured at the Zoo in 2015.
Visitors enter a veritable “zoorassic world” as they travel back in time along a lush, winding, 3-acre DinoTrail recreating prehistoric life. The enormous creatures lurk at every turn, including adult dinosaurs, youngsters and even a nest with eggs and hatchlings. The robotic dinosaurs are built on steel frames and covered with foam rubber skin painted in intricate detail. High-tech electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs’ menacing claws and gnashing teeth while a sound system gives them their “voices”.
Dinosauria is open daily through Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 8 p.m. Wednesdays in July and August).