POWELL, Ohio – Due to its popularity, Dinosaur Island is back from extinction and will open May 19 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with brand new dinosaurs and fan favorites, including Tyrannosaurus rex!
This Jurassic adventure will take Zoo guests back in time, 65 million years, on a quest to find and document more than 30 animatronic dinosaurs – including several brand new species additions.
Made of steel with a urethane waterproof skin, the dinosaurs have eyes that shift and blink, tails that move, mouths that make loud noises and electronic “brains” that activate and control their movements and sounds. The result is a thrilling experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages!
The animatronic dinosaurs arrived at the Zoo on May 7 and were unloaded from trucks by forklifts and cranes. The opening date of Dinosaur Island was originally estimated to be May 26, but now that each dinosaur has been successfully placed and passed inspection, they are ready and “roaring” to greet Zoo guests.
Starting May 19 and running through Oct. 28, guests will have the chance to enjoy this expedition by foot path and water taxis. A special admission ticket is required for entrance and is not included with Zoo admission. Admission to Dinosaur Island is $3 for general admission, $2 for Columbus Zoo members and free for Columbus Zoo Gold members, as well as included in the price of a Zoo-it-All ride wristband. Explorers of all ages will enjoy this adventure, whether they have expert knowledge or are discovering dinosaurs for the first time.
Visitors can spot these ‘dino-mite’ dinosaurs and more around the island:
- Tyrannosaurus rex: Lived in Cretaceous period; name means “tyrant lizard king.”
- Styracosaurus: Lived in the late Cretaceous period; name means “spiked lizard” because of its notable horned neck frill.
- Quetzalcoatlus: Lived in the late Cretaceous period; known as one of the largest flying creatures of the time.
- Giganotosaurus: Lived in the Cretaceous period; was even larger than the T-Rex, but still smaller than the Spinosaurus.
- Suchomimus: Lived in the Cretaceous period; name means “crocodile mimic” because of its crocodile-like mouth.
The dinosaurs were acquired from Billings Productions located in Allen, Texas. Billings Productions is the leading provider of animatronic dinosaurs for zoos, museums and theme parks in North America. They specialize in producing large, life-size animatronic dinosaurs that can withstand outdoor weather for traveling or permanent exhibits.
To unearth more information about the Zoo’s summer happenings, visit ColumbusZoo.org and follow the Columbus Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing more than $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
