Apple Valley, MINN – May 26, 2016 – The Minnesota Zoo is the only place families can experience dinosaurs and some of their living friends who survived extinction, and this summer, the dinosaurs are returning! The prehistoric stars of the Minnesota Zoo’s upcoming summer blockbuster exhibit, “Dinosaurs,” will make their public debut on May 28, 2016.

The Minnesota Zoo’s animatronic exhibit will transport guests back in time by showcasing 21 larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs in a lush, natural setting; five of them are returning favorites, like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Brachiosaurus, while 16 of them, including Muttaburrasaurus, Cryolophosaurus, and Citipati, have never before been spotted in Minnesota. Kid-friendly photo opportunities, like a T. rex and hands-on gigantic dinosaur nest play structure, will also be part of the experience. Kids who visit this summer are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt as a fun and interactive way to connect the visiting dinosaurs to the Zoo’s full-time animal residents that survived extinction.

Representing the Mesozoic era (approximately 230-65 million years ago), “Dinosaurs” was designed and built by Billings Productions, Inc. (billingsproductions.com) based in McKinney, Texas by a team of designers, engineers, sculptors and artists. Each dinosaur is made of steel and a skin-like material composed of a special urethane compound good for protecting them in inclement weather – a must in Minnesota! Each dinosaur is fitted with its own “electronic brain” to activate and control movement and sound.

This limited engagement will run from May 28–September 5, from 9:30-5:30 (weather permitting), and is a separate attraction fee of $5/$4 for Zoo members. General Zoo admission is required.

13000 ZOO BOULEVARD APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124 952.431.9200 800.366.7811 mnzoo.org

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round recreation, environmental education, and conservation destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. Its mission is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. Serving more than 1.2 million guests and students each year, the Zoo is a State Agency and opened to the public in 1978. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).