Not only are we digging up dinosaurs in the valley, we might be trucking in a whole herd in the next few years.
John Shoff of the Dino Arts Committee confirmed with The Drumheller Mail that the Calgary Zoo has agreed to give the committee its collection of prehistoric beasts from its Prehistoric Park.
“We have the green light from the Calgary Zoo to get all of their dinosaurs,” said Shoff. “I went to the board (Dino Arts), and they also have given us the green light to have them.”
Dinosaurs have been a part of the Calgary Zoo for decades. In 1937, the Natural History Park was officially opened as 120-ton “Dinny the Dinosaur” was completed, according to the Calgary Zoo website. The collection of dinosaurs continued to evolve and change as new ones were added. In the early 1980s, the Prehistoric Park was opened.
In April, the Calgary Zoo unveiled its vision for the future. It sees the re-addition of polar bears and orangutans, and the elimination of the dinosaurs, save for the famous Dinny.
The rest of the models could be on their way to Drumheller.
Shoff says this is the long-term plan.
“It is likely going to take about five years; by the time they are ready for us to take them, and for us to prepare to get them and arranging ship-
ping,” said Shoff. “The town is on board and the mayor is very excited about it.”
It may be a logistical challenge, as a number of the dinosaurs are made of concrete and steel. Some are also fiberglass.
The Prehistoric Park at the Calgary Zoo also has terrain models that include hills and volcanoes. Some of these may also be available according to Shoff.
“It is good PR for the zoo, because the dinosaurs are not being destroyed, and it is good for the town,” he said.
Mayor Terry Yemen said he has begun to lobby for support.
“I have contacted our MLA and our MP explaining the project to them and asking for their assistance in keeping the Town informed of any grant programs that may help us in
this project,” he said.
“While the Calgary Zoo is giving the dinosaurs to the Town, the Town will be required to provide the crane to load and trucks to transport them, which will no doubt be costly. I have also contacted Cindy Amos, the executive director of the Canadian Badlands, advising her of the project and asking their assistance in grant research and exploring corporate sponsorship."
