'Dinosaurs in the Desert' is returning to the Phoenix Zoo. Here's how to get a sneak peek
If you spot a prehistoric beast at the Phoenix Zoo this summer, do not be alarmed. It just means that the popular “Dinosaurs in the Desert” exhibit is making its way back after five years.
The complete “Dinosaurs in the Desert” display will open to the public on Oct. 3. Phoenix Zoo and Arizona Center for Nature Conservation members get a sneak peek on Oct. 1 and 2. The exhibit will be open through April 30, 2023.
A gigasaurus, troodon, allosaurus, giant bear, sea scorpion and phorusrhacid (also known as a terror bird) are some of the new dino figures set to make their debut on the Desert Lives Trail, according to a press release from the Phoenix Zoo.
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What to expect at 'Dinosaurs in the Desert' at Phoenix Zoo
The self-guided tour features animatronic dinosaurs that move and make sounds. Guests can expect to hear the roar of a tyrannosaurus rex or the snarl of a saber-toothed cat as they wander through the prehistoric landscape.
Additional highlights include a photo opportunity with a parasaurolophus, a large reptile-like dinosaur with a crest-like horn; a fossil dig; and educational material about each dinosaur.
Until the full exhibit opens in October, guests can check out a kentrosaurus, whose name means “spiked lizard." It stands 6 feet tall and has orange spikes on its back. The kentrosaurus can be found near the carousel.
This is an ideal time to bring the dinosaurs back, according to Bert Castro, president and CEO of the zoo.
“We all know how rough the past few years have been, so we wanted to unveil an attraction that allows guests to experience a bit of adventure, playfulness and reverie,” he said in the press release.
When "Dinosaurs in the Desert" was at the zoo in 2017, it had 23 dino replicas and was seen by about 400,000 guests.
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Phoenix Zoo: 'Dinosaurs in the Desert'
When: The zoo's summer hours are 7 a.m.-1 p.m. daily through Aug. 31. Check the website for seasonal hours after that. "Dinosaurs in the Desert" runs Oct. 1-April 30.
Where: 455 N. Galvin Parkway.
Admission: $29.95; $19.95 for ages 3-13; free for age 2 and younger.
Details: https://www.phoenixzoo.org.
Reach features reporter Amaris Encinas at amaris.encinas@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @amarisencinas.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dinosaurs in the Desert returns to Phoenix Zoo in 2022
