Emerson Dinoroarus (dino-ROAR-us), a dynamic temporary exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo, opens to the public on Saturday, April 17, and runs through October 31, 2021.
This engaging attraction for all ages features 16 different groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs — colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spitting or placidly munching on the lush vegetation. The dinosaurs and other ancient species representing a vast span of geological time include: a life-size triceratops (tri-SERR- uh-tops), 12-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex (tie-RAN-oh-SORE-us REX), giant stork- like quetzalcoatlus (ket-zel-KWAT-lus), an 18-foot-tall brachiosaurus (brack-ee-oh-SORE-us), nest of duck-billed parasaurolophus babies (PAR-ah-saw-RAH-lo-fuss) and many more. Plus, observe a staged fossil dig site and learn all about fossils.
Along the tropically planted trail in this land before time, discover the amazing connections between dinosaurs and living animals today. Learn fun and interesting facts about dinosaurs and the information scientists have gained from their fossils, theories on their mass extinction, and practical ways you can help protect animals today from going extinct.
“Dinoroarus gives us a chance to talk about difficult topics like extinction and how some predecessors of dinosaurs, including turtles and crocodiles, are still with us, as well as how some descendants of dinosaurs, like birds, still grace our lives,” said Michael Macek, Director, Saint Louis Zoo.
Live Animals — Modern-Day Dinos
Walk among modern-day dinosaurs as domesticated guinea fowl, a bird species, freely roam the exhibit area. Other live animals to meet include North American river otters, Tasmanian devils, fish, moon jellies, sea stars, urchins, sponges, coral and anemones. Each animal has a story to tell about what they have in common with animals living at the time of dinosaurs.
“Learning about dinosaurs is kind of like ‘CSI,’ using really old evidence,” said Macek. “Paleontologists ask questions about why certain dinosaurs moved to different places and why their food supplies or habitats were threatened. And those are exactly the kind of questions Zoo conservationists ask today in trying to save animals from extinction.”
Dinoroarus Tickets and Zoo Reservations
This seasonal exhibit continues at the Zoo for the next couple of years while the Zoo works to reimagine, plan and redevelop the 3.5-acre area into a new, permanent family and children’s area, which will continue the Zoo’s mission of connecting families and children with animals.
Admission to Dinoroarus is $5.95 per person for ages 2 and up; free for children under age 2. Zoo members may use their member tickets or premium member tickets for admission to the attraction. Dinoroarus tickets may be purchased at Zoo entrances and attractions.
All Zoo guests, including those who wish to experience Dinoroarus, must make a free, timed reservation online in advance to enter the Zoo. Daily attendance is limited to help maintain social distancing within the Zoo.
Visit stlzoo.org/zooreservations to make a reservation up to seven days prior to the date of visit. Zoo Reservations do not include tickets to Dinoroarus.
