CALGARY – The dinosaurs that once ruled Alberta’s badlands are being brought to life at the Calgary Zoo in the new “Dinosaurs Alive” animatronic exhibit at Prehistoric Park.
“Let’s just say every kid that comes in here is intrigued and either loving it or a little bit scared, but they keep going to see what comes up next,” said Roz Freeman, special events advisor at the Calgary Zoo.
Visitors can learn more about how dinosaurs live by exploring the 18 animatronic creatures, representing 16 species of dinosaur. There are three customized routes for “time travellers” who want to see what Alberta might have looked like when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
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“Two of our animatronics are interactive, so guests can press a button and get them to do what they want,” said Freeman.
The technology makes for a “smoother” motion, allowing guests to “see the breath in their lungs,” she added. For example, the three Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaurs make noises that are motion-censored when zoo-goers walk by.
The zoo spent about $1 million bringing the animated animals to life, and sprucing up the park to accommodate them: “We know it will pay off,” said Freeman.
The exhibit opens Thursday and runs until Nov. 1, 2015. It includes interpretive centres, shareable photo opportunities and daily programs. For more information visit the website here.
With files from Erika Tucker
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