by Samantha Perry
Spring 2017 Intern
The
first time I watched Jurassic Park,
there was no question in my mind that the dinosaurs were real and that one of
the actresses had truly been covered in snot by a sick brontosaurus on set. I
was only about five or six at the time, sitting beside my dad on the couch with
wide eyes and a strange mix of fear and curiosity. We learn from the film that biologically
recreated dinosaurs are not something to play around with, but who didn’t want
to see dinosaurs up close? Luckily, there are some much safer versions of the experience
being recreated around the world.
The
newest dino experience is still in production in Japan, where designers
are creating a few of the most lifelike dinosaurs yet. Dino-A-Live, an interactive exhibit within the proposed
Dino-A-Park, sets out to have human-operated robotic dinosaurs, using real
fossils as the blueprints. Several dinosaurs are nearly complete, including an eight-foot-tall
T. rex that showcases the exhibit’s half-spectacle, half-performance nature. Demonstrations
of the performance included “handlers” dressed in military uniforms as they tried
to tame the unruly T. rex. Proposals for the park hope to have the project
financed this year, but it will take several years to build. Luckily, in the
meantime, there are several prehistoric themed options available.
The
Franklin Institute’s Jurassic
World: The Exhibition
features seven animatronic dinosaurs as well as interactive educational
elements, which are inspired by the film series. Although the dinos at the
Franklin Institute are fixed into place, the attention to detail is very
impressive! With the help of paleontologist Jack Horner, the animatronics and
interactive components are modeled on real science and dinosaur DNA—modeled conceptually,
that is, unlike the DNA that Dr. Hammond used to create the monsters for his
infamous park. Don’t worry, no prehistoric mosquitos trapped in amber were used
in the making of this exhibit. The Franklin Institute will house the exhibit
through April 23, 2017, with plans to continue its North American tour.
Another
impressive dinosaur attraction is a 60-acre park in Utah. The Moab
Giants Dinosaur Park contains
more than 100 life-size dinosaur sculptures. Visitors are free to meander
through the half-mile trail in Utah’s desert landscape. The park also includes
“Dig It Out Sites” that provide a chance to find fossils and traces of
long-extinct animals. Moab Giants also boasts educational and interactive
materials with a 3D cinema and games within its Tracks Museum. Plus, all the
dinos are extremely photogenic!
For
now it seems we’re safe from those Jurassic monsters I was so convinced were
real in the 1993 film. These exhibits provide a much more protected experience.
Visit your favorite while you have the chance!
Did You Know?
Before the big reveal of the T. rex in Jurassic Park, a glass of water on the dashboard of the car rattles
as the dinosaur approaches. This effect was created by fixing a guitar string underneath the
dashboard and strumming it to send vibrations through the water.
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