Installation of Minerva the Citipati

Final installation of 21 life-sized dinosaurs that move and make sounds has been completed at the zoo and will be on view from July 1 – October 31. Many of the dinosaurs are located near today’s zoo animals that share some common characteristics such as appearance, hunting habits, type of diet, or parenting behavior. Visitors are encouraged to explore the similarities between the life-like dinosaurs and the living animals located nearby.

This Citipati named Minerva is being installed near the Cassowaries, large feathered flightless birds. Minerva is believed to be about the size she was in real life. Scientists believe a Citipati specimen discovered together with eggs was in its nest caring for the eggs when it died. Likewise, Cassowary parents are very protective of their eggs. And both Citipatis and Cassowaries have eyes on the sides of their heads.

While most of the dinosaurs at the zoo are believed to be close to the size they were when they lived, this Tyrannosaurus rex named Trampleton, at 5,400 pounds (2.7 tons) would have been a juvenile. A full grown T. rex was believed to be about 7 tons (or even up to 9 tons).

Trampleton the Tyrannosaurus rex

Trampleton was collapsed down for transport. In the photo below, the seams are being reattached to bring it back to its lifelike appearance. It is located near the carousel, in a place where small children can see it from a distance and approach slowly if it’s size is scary or intimidating.

Trampleton the T. rex is being reassembled after being collapsed for transport to the zoo.

The rental cost for 21 animatronic dinosaurs for the four-month period from July 1 to October 31 is $150,000. Costs to install and landscape around them are in addition. Brad Parks from the Denver Zoo says the zoo expects additional visitors will come see the dinos and purchase dino-related food, souvenir and gift items—and that will cover the costs, so there is no additional admission fee for visitors during the dino exhibit.

Download the Denver Zoo app to find the dinosaur locations around the zoo. Visit
http://denverzoo.org/dinosexhibit to see a list of the dinosaurs.