A new look at dinosaurs — feathers and all — will make its national debut Thursday at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History.
The Dinosaur Explorer traveling exhibit includes 24 displays about the prehistoric reptiles, including the depiction of feathers.
Why feathers? Because that's one of several new scientific theories about velociraptor, tyrannosaurus and others.
“This exhibit, being new, really focuses on what more recent research has suggested or shown what the prevailing current theories in the archaeological community are,” said Anthony Mortimer, director of curatorial services at MOSH.
MOSH says the exhibit includes advanced animatronic dinosaurs, authentic casts and actual fossils that help explain dinosaurs' connections with humans.
"Although they lived millions of years before us, dinosaurs — just like us — adapted to not only survive, but to thrive on planet Earth," the MOSH website says. "Paleontologists believe that dinosaurs shared many things in common with humankind, and, as astounding as it may seem, lived daily lives that may be quite familiar" — including feeding, family dynamics and interpersonal relationships.
Mortimer says Dinosaur Explorer is an interactive opportunity to learn about the prehistoric creatures.
“The way that it's presented and what we're doing in support of it with our volunteers and our staff being there to have conversations with guests — it really supports our mission to inspire that lifelong learning,” he said.
To celebrate the opening of the exhibit, MOSH will host what it’s calling the Camp Jurassic Mini-Con on Saturday night.
Vendors, cosplayers and a costume contest are all part of the fun. Discounted advance tickets are available on MOSH’s website.
The new dinosaur exhibit runs through Labor Day, Sept. 5.
