Edinburgh zoo set for giant moving dinosaur models

Euan Morrison meets Vlema, the
first dinosaur to 'hatch' at Edinburgh Zoo. Picture: Lisa Ferguson — Euan Morrison meets Vlema, the first dinosaur to 'hatch' at Edinburgh Zoo. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Edinburgh Zoo is preparing for the arrival of a set of giant moving dinosaur models ahead of a six-month exhibition.

Velma the velociraptor was the first animatronic character to make an appearance at the visitor attraction today before she sets off on a tour of various landmarks across the city in the coming weeks.

Measuring 13ft (4m) long, she has computerised controls, meaning she can roar, blink and move her giant head from side to side.

Dinosaurs Return! will feature 11 adult model creatures, two babies and a nest when it opens on April 3.

Zoo staff are currently working on a specially designed landscape, with huge rocks and foliage to create their habitat.

Cheryl-Ann Beattie, animal presenter at the zoo, said: “We are going to be learning all about the dinosaurs’ past and linking it in with animals that are extinct today and how we can prevent further extinction and help with further extinction.

“We’ve got velociraptors, stegosaurus, brachiosaurus and a big tyrannosaurus rex - so lots of exciting ones that kids are going to know about.”