Dinosaurs in the Desert at the Phoenix Zoo

I've been fascinated by dinosaurs since I was a small child. My great-grandfather, Elmer Brown, is responsible for my interest, and I still have the small brass brontosaurus (apatosaurus) that he gave me all those years ago. And before you ask, yes, I'm a fan of those Jurassic Park movies. I was sitting in the theater for the very first showing of the very first Jurassic Park before they turned the volume down on the sound system so the T. Rex roar wouldn't blow your hair off your head.

Denis and I had avoided the Dinosaurs in the Desert exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo when we were there a couple of months ago, but this time, we decided to see what it was all about. Being rebels, we started at the end and ended at the beginning. We both thought it very well done, and I have to admit that traveling through reawakened some of my childhood fascination. 

Join us on our trek through Dinosaurs in the Desert. 

 

 

These two giants were at the end of the trail, which is where we started.

 

All the dinosaurs moved, and many had sound effects which added to the realism.

 

I have to admit getting a kick out of seeing dinosaurs of all sizes in a desert setting.

 

These little "compeys" took me right back to the Jurassic Park movies. I almost felt as though they were going to start chasing me.

 

I wish this exhibit hadn't been heaving with people of all ages and sizes. If I'd had some elbow room, I could've taken photos of the signage so I could remember all the dinosaurs' names.

 

Fish dinner, anyone?

 

I can hear Jeff Goldblum say, "Nature will find a way."

 

A nasty-looking specimen.

 

I was so intent on the dinosaurs that I almost forgot to look at the big rock formations in the distance. But I did remember, and those photos are for next Wednesday.

 

I think this one's common name was Terror Bird. I can see why.

 

And I certainly wouldn't want this twelve-foot-tall bear jumping out at me, would you?

Why do sabertooth tigers (AKA smilodons) make me think of The Flintstones?

Although some of the children were frightened by the dinosaurs, the majority thought the experience was fun, and they asked a lot of questions. 

Even though the body count was a bit high for us and, from time to time, waiting to take a photograph without a stranger's body parts in it was tiresome, Denis and I did enjoy ourselves. However, I do wonder what my great-grandfather would have thought of it all.

Next week, I'll share more photos that I took at the Phoenix Zoo. Don't forget to stop by for another virtual visit!