
It turns out T-Rex wasn’t the big, bad wolf of the dinosaur world after all. Tyrannosaurus rex, with its robust body and foreshortened front legs, was actually a scavenger. Who knew? That’s just one of many facts you’ll discover with the opening of thelatest dinosaur show, “Dinosaurs at the Memphis Zoo.”
The new exhibit, which runs from March 10th through July 8th, will be housed in the eagle flight area, across from the gorilla exhibit. Admission is $3/members, $4/nonmembers.
Animatronics breathe life into these long-extinct creatures, giving visitors a glimpse of what it would have been like to encounter one of these prehistoric beasts. Dinosaurs roamed the Earth during the Jurassic era but became extinct 65 million years ago. Most of what scientists know has been learned through unearthing their fossilized remains. Kids can dig for signs of prehistoric life at the Dino Dig Site and view a life-sized replica of an allosaurus skull.
Part of the exhibit also focuses on the conservation efforts being made by zoos around the country to save other animals from extinction. The Komodo dragon of Indonesia and the Louisiana pine snack are two examples of animals the Memphis Zoo is working to replicate. Some, like the pine snake, are then released back into the wild. “Zoo people are involved in national and international conservation projects to protect endangered animals,” says zoo public relations director Abby Dane.
For further dinosaur treats, head over to the Children’s Museum of Memphis where you’ll find “Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice.” This display explores the various habitats dinosaurs lived in during their prehistoric rein. Hands-on activities include uncovering fossils, creating rubbings, and exploring a dinosaur nest. Admission is $12, children under 1 are free. The exhibit is on display through May 13th.