Skip to main content
Dino Discovery Exhibit Opens at Utica Zoo: A Prehistoric Adventure Awaits

Dino Discovery Exhibit Opens at Utica Zoo: A Prehistoric Adventure Awaits

The Utica Zoo has unveiled its long-awaited Dino Discovery exhibit, marking a significant moment in the world of wildlife education and entertainment. On May 21, 2025, the ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together local dignitaries, zoo officials, and a curious crowd, all eager to explore prehistoric times through eye-catching exhibits and life-like dinosaur sculptures.

A Tyrannosaurus bears its teeth at the Utica Zoo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
A Tyrannosaurus bears its teeth at the Utica Zoo.

The ceremony featured remarks from Andria Heath, the Executive Director of the Utica Zoo, who expressed excitement about the new exhibit's role in fostering a love for learning about the natural world. "We aim to provide an educational, yet thrilling experience for our guests while nurturing their curiosity about these magnificent creatures that once roamed the Earth," Heath stated.

Executive Director of the Utica Zoo Andria Heath speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Dino Discovery exhibit on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Andria Heath lighting up the ceremony.

This new exhibit immerses visitors in a world of dinosaurs, featuring incredible life-sized models including a ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex and a gentle Triceratops. Highlights of the exhibit features interactive sculptures like a climbing Pachyrhinosaurus, and a Dilophosaurus that eerily spits water, delighting both children and adults alike.

A Tyrannosaurus roars at the Utica Zoo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
A roaring Tyrannosaurus adds excitement to the experience.

Among the attendees was Kari Puleo, the Executive Director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, who commended the zoo's dedication to community education efforts. "The Dino Discovery exhibit is a phenomenal addition not just to the zoo, but to Utica itself. It showcases our commitment to blending education with fun," Puleo remarked during the event.

A Suchomimus eats a fish at the Utica Zoo on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
A playful Suchomimus showcases its hunting skills.

In addition to providing entertainment, the Dino Discovery exhibit promotes awareness of paleontological advances and the significance of conservation efforts, bridging the gap between history and contemporary environmental stewardship. Visitors are encouraged to empathize with these ancient creatures while contemplating the ecosystems of today.

As families continue to flock to the Utica Zoo, one must wonder: how will the Dino Discovery exhibit inspire the next generation's love for nature and wildlife conservation? What stories will emerge from this unique intersection of entertainment and education? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Can you Like

In the wake of a heartbreaking incident, the Utica Zoo is mourning the loss of Cauliflower, a male American Beaver who recently escaped its confines. His journey, marked by a series of events that hig...
UTICA, N.Y. -- The gentle beaver named Cauliflower, who captured hearts when he escaped from his new habitat at the Utica Zoo earlier this year, has met a tragic fate. Found dead after being hit by a ...
In an extraordinary paleontological discovery, researchers have unearthed fossilized footprints in central Oregon, dating back almost 50 million years. These findings provide a captivating glimpse int...