A NEW dinosaur attraction will open at Colchester Zoo this week as the venue looks to attract thousands of visitors over the Easter weekend.

The highly impressive Dinosaur Realm, which has been put together sourcing models from previous UK attractions and displays, will welcome visitors on Good Friday.

Re-landscaping work started more than a year ago so the zoo could create an immersive space which allows visitors to travel back millions of years, with some of the model dinosaurs more than five metres tall.

Colchester Zoo’s business development manager, Melissa Dench, said the organisation had been looking to introduce a new attraction to the zoo; the Dinosaur realm, she says, will do just that.

Gazette: Realistic – visitors take a look at a pterosaurs during a passholders' weekendRealistic – visitors take a look at a pterosaurs during a passholders' weekend (Image: Tom Smith)

She said: “As a family attraction, we wanted to bring a new experience to Colchester Zoo whilst providing education and continuing to raise awareness and the importance of conservation.

“Dinosaurs are very popular with all ages and capture interest therefore we felt they were a great attraction to help spread this important message.”

The area housing the Dinosaur Realm attraction consists of a large wooden walkway surrounded by foliage, shrubbery, and will straddle a new pond area full of plant life.

Some of the dinosaurs are static, but others are animatronic, meaning they are computer controlled to make natural movements.

The Dinosaur Realm will be especially sensory, with smoke and sounds lining the route to make it interactive for adults and children.

A new palaeontology hub will also open as part of the attraction to engage and educate on the creatures, which remain a great source of fascination.

Gazette: Attraction – Melissa Dench said it was important to 'bring a new attraction to Colchester Zoo'Attraction – Melissa Dench said it was important to 'bring a new attraction to Colchester Zoo' (Image: Tom Smith)

Passholders for the zoo have already been given a glimpse of the attraction, with more than 4,000 visiting the zoo over a preview weekend held on Saturday and Sunday.

When the Dinosaur Realm opens, it will be included as part of the normal admission fee.

Mrs Dench added: “The area chosen lends itself perfectly to a new habitat, developing a brand-new interactive journey.”

Colchester Zoo announced earlier this year it will become a charitable trust known as Colchester Zoological Society from January 2025.