ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Zoo is now home to several dinosaurs, and it’s all part of a temporary exhibit called Emerson Dinoroarus!
It opens to the public Saturday, April 17, and runs through October 31, 2021.
You can expect to see 16 animatronic and stationary dinosaurs along a tropically planted trail including:
- Life-size triceratops
- 12-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex
- Giant stork-like quetzalcoatlus
- 18-foot-tall brachiosaurus
- Nest of duck-billed parasaurolophus babies
While going through the trail, you’ll learn all things dinosaur from what they ate to how they became 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, the Zoo's director.
Among the dinosaurs, you’ll find a staged fossil dig site that will provide an opportunity to learn about how fossils help paleontologists learn more about prehistoric times.
"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."
Before heading to the Zoo, all Zoo guests must make a free reservation online before entering the Zoo premises.
Dinoroarus tickets may be purchased at Zoo entrances and attractions. It will be $5.95 per person for ages 2 and up. Zoo members may use their member tickets or premium member tickets for admission to the attraction.
Guests ages 9 and older are required to wear masks/face coverings, which must cover nose and mouth while visiting.
The Emerson Dinoroarus will continue 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.