'Dinosaurs' exhibit opens at zoo

IF YOU GOWhat: "Dinosaurs."When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-July 31.Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.Admission: Extra $1.50 zoo members, $2.50 nonmembers in addition to zoo admission ($8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children 3-15).Phone: 697-1319, 697-1322.Website: www.chattzoo.org

Chattanooga Zoo will become a static Jurassic Park for the next three months with the opening of "Dinosaurs" on Saturday.

These realistic re-creations are part of a unique traveling exhibit that will be on view through July 31.

Part of Kokoro Exhibits LLC, "Dinosaurs" will allow zoo visitors to immerse themselves into the wonder of the planet's most infamous prehistoric predators. The exhibit, which includes 10 lifelike robotic dinosaurs, offers a variety of hands-on interactive activities.

"We are always looking for new and unique opportunities to bring to the zoo for our visitors, and we thought this was a perfect fit," said zoo Director Darde Long in a news release. "Aside from being totally cool, we think the exhibit will provide an engaging and educational experience for everyone."

The giant mechanical dinosaurs were designed and built to scale by a team of scientists, artists and engineers. State-of-the-art electronics and air pistons power the dinosaurs' movements, complete with grasping hands, menacing claws and gnashing teeth. With technology and fluidity creating wide-range motion, the creatures are able to move and interact in a realistic manner.

Admission to the exhibit is $2.50 per person in addition to regular Chattanooga Zoo admission (extra $1.50 for zoo members.

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