By Amanda Robbins
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Wednesday, July 16, 2008 12:00 am
Dinosaurs - animatronic ones, that is - have joined the lineup of seals, elephants and other favorites
The summer brings about lots of free time for children, and adults, and the Oregon Zoo in Portland is offering several exhibits, both old and new, to keep people of all ages entertained and educated.
As usual, the zoo has all the regular animals including tigers, bears, elephants and seals. But they have a few new exhibits as well.
The zoo has gone prehistoric with "Dinosaurs!" Visitors follow a trail through an ancient rain forest, surrounded by life-size animatronic dinosaurs that roar, snarl and move with realistic ferocity. Along the way, massive footprints signal the proximity of the most fearsome prehistoric predator of all - the Tyrannosaurus Rex. This dinosaur stands 15 feet tall and 45 feet long and has a roar that can be heard throughout the park, according to Bill LaMarche, media relations officer for the zoo.
The path features activity stations with fossil digs, photo-opportunity spots and identification posts geared to all ages. For younger visitors, who may be afraid of the ferocious dinosaurs, there is a path of slow-moving herbivore species, along with several animatronic baby dinosaurs and dinosaur egg nests. There is also an escape route available for children who get frightened.
"The T. Rex is the star of the show, of course," said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Stegosaurus, triceratops, the long-necked sauropods and all the popular carnivores are represented. Some dinosaurs are just so funky that we had to have them - like the dome-headed pachycephalosaurus."
Also featured in this exhibit is the ride "Dino Island," which places people into the action with a 3-D simulation theater. As an erupting volcano threatens to destroy life on the island, the Earth Science Team must rescue "Tony," the only male T. Rex left in the world. It's a race against time as lava flows, cliffs break away and dinosaurs come at riders from every direction.
If you can't make it during the day, or want to see the creatures in a different light, consider checking out "DinoNites," from 7 to 10 p.m. July 20 and Aug. 9, 15, 16 and 23.
"Our courageous visitors travel back 65 million years, coming face to face with the famed Tyrannosaurus Rex and his other terrifying friends," said Rex Ettlin, the zoo's education programs manager.
The evening will include a pizza dinner, followed by dinosaur games and activities, including cotton plate tectonics, kids vs. adults sandbox dig, artifact discovery stations and a special dessert.
If your children are not quite old enough for the dinosaur exhibit at the zoo or they want to learn more about the ancient creatures, another possibility is The Portland Children's Museum, across the parking lot from the zoo.
At "Dinosaur Revolution," children can "become" a dinosaur and journey through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Kids can also discover evidence of "dinosaur doings" in the present time as junior paleontologists.
The museum is primarily for kids ages 10 and under.
In addition to the new dinosaur exhibit, the zoo features the usual displays and events, such as summer concerts and a train.
Concerts range from $17 to $25 and take place on various days of the week. For more information, log on to www.oregonzoo.org and click on "summer concerts."
The train takes riders through Washington Park and the zoo. Toward the end of the ride, people are able to see the dinosaur exhibit and get photographs of the various creatures.
Another new exhibit, "African Predators," is in the works to open in the late summer of 2009. The zoo is bringing back lions and introducing African wild dogs and cheetahs. It will replace the "Alaska Tundra" exhibit.
"The 'Great Northwest' features animals from the High Cascades all the way down to the ocean," LaMarche said. "It was a little redundant to have the 'Alaska Tundra' too."
The wolves from the "Alaska Tundra" have been moved near the elk meadows.
When's the best time to see all these creatures? In the early morning or late afternoon, according to LaMarche. The animals are least active during the heat of the day. LaMarche also suggests that visitors try to avoid the zoo between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., when it is most crowded.
General admission is $9.75. Entry is $8.75 for seniors 65 and older; $6.75 for children ages 3 through 11; and free for children ages 2 and under. A train ride costs $5; "Dinosaurs!" is $4; "Dino Island" is also $4. Admission to DinoNites is $38 for zoo members and $44 for non-members, which includes admission.
For more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org.
Getting there
Directions: Get on I-5 heading north toward Portland. Right before the city center, take exit 299B for Beaverton, getting onto I-405 North. Take exit 1D to Highway 26 West. Go through the tunnel and up a gradual hill, then look for the zoo signs and exit 72. It's the first exit off Highway 26.
Hint: Highway 26 West is also called the "Sunset Highway" by the locals.
Gas: Plan to spend between $30 and $40 for a round trip from the mid-valley.