Images: Adelaide Zoo
Dinosaurs after dark? Don’t mind if we do! Adelaide Zoo’s ‘Universal Kingdom: The Next Era’ is roaring back to life this July, bringing the magic of Illuminate to the zoo.
Get ready to dive into a prehistoric wonderland this winter, as for just three weekends, Universal Kingdom: The Next Era is charging back to Adelaide Zoo, and it’s shaping up to be one dino-sized adventure.
From Thursday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 20th, Adelaide Zoo will transform in the evenings into an illuminated Jurassic world where dinosaurs run wild, thanks to a collaboration between Illuminate Adelaide and Zoos SA, with support from SA Power Networks. Expect glowing lights, life-sized puppets, and dinos lurking around every corner, from the mighty Triceratops to the soaring Pterodactyl.
“This year, we’re seeing the Universal Kingdom theme evolve from Prehistoric Nights, and roaring into The Next Era – so there’s some exciting new attractions that the whole family will enjoy!,” shared Dr Phil Ainsley, Chief Executive Zoos SA.
“Adelaide Zoo will be transformed, with state of the art puppetry, dazzling light installations, and a vibrant prehistoric world packed with interactive moments. There’s roaming dinosaurs, including some realistic animatronic creatures, and amazing performers that bring these ancient giants to life in new and exciting ways.”
This family-friendly event is the sequel to past sell-outs like Light Creatures and last year’s Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Night, and it’s bringing even more wow-factor. Entry times are staggered at 5:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm, giving you plenty of time to plan a night that suits your crew.
“Now in our fifth year collaborating with Illuminate Adelaide and presenting partner SA Power Networks, this event is one of the great highlights lighting up our event calendar each year.
“Illuminate Adelaide is a fantastic event for Adelaide and South Australia, and we’re so proud to be a part of it with a family favourite outing.”
Renowned creative studios Erth Visual & Physical and A Blanck Canvas are behind the magic, making the stunning light installations and state-of-the-art puppetry that blur the lines between prehistoric and present day. A Blanck Canvas are total pros, and are bringing their expertise all the way from Melbourne. Erth Visual & Physical have had a focus on puppetry-based theatrical productions and innovative community projects for the past thirty years, and is bringing this experience to the table with this exhibition.
“We also really enjoy the opportunity to work with renowned creative studios Erth and A Blanck Canvas, who do a fantastic job of bringing this prehistoric vision to life.”
All this and more is to be explored throughout the event’s run. Little adventurers can pat baby dinos, race raptors, and dig for fossils in the interactive kids’ zone, and the whole family is sure to be impressed as the Tyrannosaurus Rex shakes the earth beneath your feet.
There will also be a chance to warm up with some hearty winter warmers from food stations dotted around the grounds, think chips, burgers, sweet treats, and hot drinks to keep you going all night long.
There are a few extra special experiences available, too. On Sundays, July 13th and 20th at 5:30pm, there will be relaxed sessions, with a quieter, less crowded experience before the main crowds roll in. Corporate groups are also invited to get in on the action. Group bookings of 30 or more people come with a discount.
Tickets are now on sale. Kids aged under 3 can experience the fun for free, general admission tickets are $31 for members or $36 for standard. For a group of 4, members can snag tickets for $110, or standard for $130.
“As a not for profit charity, every visit to Adelaide Zoo helps to support the vital conservation work we are involved with, both locally and globally. By coming along to enjoy Universal Kingdom: The
“Next Era, you’re helping us to protect today’s species from extinction – the fate of the dinosaurs doesn’t have to be the future for the many endangered species we can still help to save,” said Dr Phil Ainsley.
While you wait in anticipation for July to roll around, grab your winter woollies, rally the family, and get ready for a night of larger-than-life fun. Because dinosaurs never go out of style, and neither does a night at the zoo.
Universal Kingdom: The Next Era
Where: Plane Tree Dr, Adelaide SA 5000
When: July 3rd to July 20th
For more information, click here.
