'DinoQuest2' Headed to Lowry Park Zoo

From officials at Lowry Park Zoo:

More than 20 life-sized and lifelike dinosaur replicas have roared into to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo near Seminole Heights for DinoQuest2, the Zoo's second outdoor exhibition of its kind, presented by floridacentral Credit Union.

The cast of colossal creatures comes to life using sophisticated technology, advanced special effects, realistic movements and natural sounds in a lakeside forest setting. The experience is designed to encourage visitors to discover how the Earth was different 200 million years ago, and learn which present day animals have dinosaur ancestors.

"In the Zoo's DinoQuest2 exhibition, guests will be immersed in a diverse group of animals that were the dominant vertebrates on our planet for over 160 million years," said Craig Pugh, executive director and CEO. "We hope to engage and educate our visitors about the diversity of life on Earth by putting people in the picture - in this case, inviting guests to enter a world on the dinosaurs' terms - to create a memorable and unique experience."

More than half of the animatronic creatures are new to this 2nd exhibition, along with some familiar faces from 2011. New inhabitants like the gargantuan Giganotosaurus, one of the largest and most powerful predators, and the well-known Stegosaurus, a long lizard-like herbivore, await guests at every turn in the outdoor trail. Encounter more than 20 primitive pals representing 15 species.

Just beyond the dinosaurs' forest dwelling, paleontology protégés can explore an activity area with dig site, interactive T-Rex robot, "Velocity-Raptor" dino-sized inflatable slide, specialty gift shop, and quick-service snacks.

Zoo School programs have a Tyrannosaurus twist this spring as well with dinosaur-themed birthday parties, sleepovers, scout workshops and more.

DinoQuest daytime admission has a special attraction fee of $4 per person (ages 3 & up), in addition to Zoo admission (one-day ticket or Annual Zoo Pass).  For dinosaur enthusiasts, a Dino Discovery Club pass is available for $16 per person, which provides unlimited daytime access for the duration of the exhibition.

DinoNites admission is $9.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free) on select Friday and Saturday nights starting March 8.  DinoNites admission is free for Zoo Pass holders.

For more information, go to www.lowryparkzoo.com. The dinosaurs are designed and built by Billings Productions, http://www.billingsproductions.com, North America's leading provider of large animatronic dinosaurs for traveling and permanent exhibits.

Do you plan to go? Tell us in the comments.