These days, Zoo Miami feels more like a Jurassic Park than an animal park. With more than twenty life-sized animatronic dinosaurs now taking up residence in the zoo’s botanical garden, “Dinos Among Us” is amazing.
This extraordinary outdoor adventure takes you back to a prehistoric world where extinct creatures like the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, its viscous baby T-Rex, and its nest of freshly hatched newborns come roaring back to life. But the Tyrannosaurus Rex family is just the beginning.
For a limited time, the zoo is also home to several iconic dinosaurs. Sharing the stage is a long-necked Brachiosaurus, which could reach up to 50′ tall; a Triceratops with its three horns and parrot-like beak; and a full-grown “spitting” Dilophosaurus and baby — fast-moving carnivores named after their two crests.
DINO ALERT: Don’t get too comfortable. There are three other impressive predators moving about the garden, as well.
Be on the lookout for the killer Titanoboa. Reaching an estimated length of 42′ and weighing in at 2,500 lbs or more, it’s the largest species of snake that ever lived.
Keeping it company is the venomous Megalania. Resembling a monstrously large monitor lizard with an entire jaw of serrated teeth, the Megalania could instantly administer a lethal death blow to its prey. And then there’s the carnivorous Terror Bird. With an axe-like beak and a height of ten feet or more, the Terror Bird was among the largest apex predators of its time and weaponized its sharp claws into a highly effective killing machine.
In addition to all of the animatronic dinosaurs, there are also several life-like exhibits showcasing dinosaurs posed in their natural state. You’ll get to meet a couple of Coelophysis — very fast runners with curved necks that resemble long-legged birds; a small meat-eating Deinonychus slashing through its fallen prey; an Allosaurus, one of history’s most popular dinosaurs that ran upright on two feet, and the Suchomimus — a large fish eater resembling today’s modern crocodile.
On top of it all, you can also pose for an interactive photo op with a thick-frilled, one-horned Pachyrhinosaurus (say that three times fast!).
Hey, who could ask for anything more?
The fantastical immersive “Dinos Among Us” exhibit continues through September14 and is included with regular admission. Takes place daily from 10 am – 5 pm at Zoo Miami,12400 SW 152nd St. Info: 305-255-5551; zoomiami.org.
