Dinosaur Island returns to the Columbus Zoo in late May

POWELL, Ohio — Dinosaur Island is returning to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium beginning Memorial Day weekend.

The expedition, which will transport guests 251 million years back in time to the beginning of the Paleozoic era, begins on May 27 and will continue until the end of October.

Guests will see more than 20 animatronic dinosaurs with eyes that move and blink, tails that move, bodies that breathe, and electronic “brains” that activate and control their movements and sounds.

The expedition includes a walking track and a boat trip to Australia and the Zoo Islands region.

Six new dinosaurs will be added to the expedition and four dinosaurs will return.

• Acrocanthosaurus – A large early Cretaceous theropod. Its name means high-spiked lizard and refers to the tall spines on many of its vertebrae.
• Amargosaurus – A sauropod dinosaur from the early Cretaceous period. Known for two parallel rows of tall spines running down the neck and back. Spikes could be used for display, combat, or defense.
• Deltadromeus – A mid-Cretaceous theropod found in North Africa. The name Deltadromeus means “nimble runner”.
• Diabloceratops – a ceratopsian dinosaur that lived in the Cretaceous period. Diabloceratops is known for its long, curved spines that rise from its frill. The name Diabloceratops means “devil’s horned face”.
• Edmontonia – Lived in the late Cretaceous period and is named after the Edmonton Formation in Canada where it was first discovered.
• Troodon – A relatively small, bird-like dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period. The name Troodon means “wounded tooth” in ancient Greek.

• Brachiosaurus – They lived in the late Jurassic period (145 million years ago). One of the tallest dinosaurs that ever lived!
• Stegosaurus – They lived in the late Jurassic period (155-145 million years ago). The spikes on their tails were used for self-defense.
• Tyrannosaurus rex – They lived in the late Cretaceous period (about 65 million years ago). The name means “tyrant lizard king”.
• Triceratops – They lived in the late Cretaceous period (about 68 million years ago). The name means “three-horned face”

A special ticket is required to enter, which is not included in the price of zoo admission. Admission to Dinosaur Island is $3 for general admission, $2 for Columbus Zoo members and free for Columbus Zoo Gold members, and is included in the cost of a ZooMore wristband.

This same weekend, the zoo will make its debut 110-foot Ferris wheelwhich will be open in the park until October 29.

To learn more about Dinosaur Island, click here.

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