WORLD OF DINOSAURS Nothing is going to tricera-top this!
Big beasts will take safari park by storm
Blair Drummond Safari Park’s 50th anniversary season is set to be larger than life thanks to its latest big addition dinosaurs.
Regular visitors to Blair Drummond Safari Park are used to encountering all sorts of exotic and fascinating creatures, but they don’t come much bigger than the animatronic velociraptors, diplodocus and terrifying TRex who will be joining the live animals at the park.
More than 20 life-size animated dinosaurs have arrived at the attraction for a new exhibition, World of Dinosaurs, due to open on April 1.
The prehistoric animals will be installed into a 1000m2 area of woodland at the safari park, which visitors will enter through giant ‘Jurassic Park’ style gates.
The permanent attraction has been installed to mark 50 years since the park first opened.
Park manager Gary Gilmour has seen many changes in decades working at the attraction - but this might be one of the biggest yet.
He began working in the restaurant kitchens at the park in his teens but soon swapped dishwashing for mucking out, working his way through the ranks and learning about every aspect of the running of the park and about the animals it is home to.
The latest addition, however, has even surprised him.
The super-sized beasts have been specially made for Blair Drummond Safari Park and are constructed with steel frame and realistic silicone skin. They are controlled with infrared sensors and have a realistic range of movements including blinking eyes, stomach breathing, body and head movements, and noises will bring them to life.
Gary said: “The detail in our new dinosaurs is incredible. They’re so lifelike and we cannot wait to unveil them to visitors. The largest dinosaur is a 21-metre diplodocus, but the wow factor is the iconic T-Rex with its terrifying roar.
“The new exhibit brings to life these fearsome predators and giant herbivores and offers dino fans of all ages the opportunity to come face-toface with their favourites.”
World of Dinosaurs is part of a £1million upgrade to the safari park, which has also included the installation of new barbecue areas, indoor picnic and venue space, covered viewing platforms and a state-of-the-art water filtration system for the sea lion habitat.
The dinosaur exhibit features velociraptors, triceratops, stegosaurus, flying pteranodon and a oviraptor with eggs. There is also a dinosaur dig area and photo opportunities.
Entry to World of Dinosaurs is included in the price of admission to the Safari Park and free for members.
Safari Park tickets are £16.50 for adults and £13.50 for children and can be bought from www.blairdrummond. com