“Land of the Living Dinosaurs” is an immersive walking trail featuring 38 life size dinosaurs, each with moving eyes, mouth and neck. The exhibit is heavily themed, landscaped and planted with copious amounts of flora, including tree ferns, gunnera, reeds and monkey-puzzle trees. Sound effects indicative of the lost world add atmosphere, whilst static fossil displays, a volcanic vent, three pools and a geyser intensifies the whole experience. It is a journey that spans four ages of dinosaur reign – Permian, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous.
The entrance to the Jurassic safari is flanked by the skeletal form of the mighty T-Rex and is located in the Park’s Discovery Trail. Examples of some of the most formidable creatures to have roamed the planet include the curiously named Dilophosaurus, fearsome Gorgonops and two of the largest at 8 metres tall, the Apatosaurus measuring 25 metres long and Argentinosaurus at 30 metres. A life size adult Tyrannosaurus Rex elevated on 4m rockwork casts a dramatic shadow, whilst the impressive Sarcosuchus, meaning ‘flesh crocodile’ represents one of the largest crocodile-like creatures that is thought to have ever lived. All the dinosaurs in the exhibit are built from compound rubber and house a moving steel armature, which adds realistic movement to each display.
“Land of the Living Dinosaurs” is included in the standard admission charge of £19.99 for adults, £14.99 for children aged 3-15 years and £17.99 for concessions. Children under the age of 3 years are admitted free of charge. Prices also include admission to the four- mile, self-drive safari, Discovery Trail exhibits, animal encounters, African Village, live shows and a free return ticket. Theme Park rides charged extra in all cases.
West Midland Safari Park and the Adventure Theme Park are open every day until Friday, 6th November 2015.