Uncover Prehistoric Giants: A Journey Through Time at Plantasia Tropical Zoo

This summer, Plantasia Tropical Zoo launched an exciting new experience that’s sure to captivate visitors of all ages: Giants of the Past. Installed in early July 2024, this immersive exhibit takes you back millions of years to when prehistoric giants roamed the Earth, bringing these fascinating creatures to life through the magic of Augmented Reality (AR). It’s an unforgettable journey into the past, blending fun, education, and technology in one thrilling adventure!

Discover the Giants of the Prehistoric World

Picture this: You’re wandering through the lush tropical surroundings of Plantasia when you suddenly come face to face with a life-size replica of the Sarcosuchus Imperator—the largest crocodile ever to have existed. Towering over the zoo’s serene koi pond, this colossal predator ruled the waterways of ancient times and, perhaps, even preyed on dinosaurs! But the adventure doesn’t stop there. You’ll also encounter fossil replicas of other remarkable prehistoric creatures, including the monstrous Titanoboa, the largest snake; the enormous millipede Arthropleura; the saber-toothed cat Smilodon; and the giant spider Megarachne.

Each of these replicas is carefully positioned next to their modern-day relatives. For example, Titanoboa sits near the Burmese python, offering a striking comparison of the past and present, while the Sarcosuchus Imperator stands near our resident caiman. It’s not just an exhibit—it’s a living, breathing reminder of the amazing diversity of life across time.

Augmented Reality: Bringing the Past to Life

The truly groundbreaking feature of Giants of the Past is its integration of Magic AR technology. Visitors can scan QR codes on their mobile devices to see these prehistoric giants come to life right in the middle of Plantasia! No need to download an app—the experience is easily accessible via your smartphone’s browser. As you move through the zoo, these once-extinct animals appear before you, as if they are walking, slithering, or stalking through the foliage.

But there’s more than just visuals. The AR experience provides fun facts, sounds, and images, allowing visitors to learn all about these creatures’ habits and habitats. You can even take part in interactive quizzes to test your new knowledge!

Why It’s a ‘Must-See’

Our Giants of the Past exhibit is much more than just a display—it’s an immersive, hands-on way to experience history. Whether you’re a family with curious kids, a student of natural history, or just someone who loves the thrill of discovering new things, this installation offers something for everyone. It’s a fantastic opportunity to spark an interest in palaeontology and deepen your understanding of the natural world.

The project, developed in partnership with Magic Memories, has been a thrilling addition to our zoo, enhancing the experience for guests and bringing the past to life in a way that’s never been done before. This cutting-edge technology, combined with the awe-inspiring fossil replicas, represents a major investment of over £50,000 and took six months to complete. Currently, the exhibit is available in both English and Welsh, ensuring a wider audience can enjoy this educational adventure. We’re also exploring the possibility of adding more languages in the future to make the experience even more accessible.

Educational Fun for Everyone

At Plantasia, we believe in creating magical moments that leave lasting impressions. Giants of the Past does exactly that, giving visitors a window into ancient times and a better appreciation of the incredible species that exist today. As you explore the zoo, you’ll not only witness these prehistoric creatures but also gain a deeper understanding of how species evolve and adapt, and why it’s crucial to protect our current ecosystems to prevent extinctions.

So why not bring the whole family down to experience this one-of-a-kind adventure? It’s the perfect blend of education and entertainment—and it’s all included with your general admission ticket. Don’t miss your chance to step back in time and experience the wonder of our prehistoric world!

Plan Your Visit

Giants of the Past is open to visitors daily with no time limit, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re visiting on a quiet weekday afternoon or on a busy weekend, there’s plenty of space to marvel at the majesty of the world’s ancient creatures.

Book your tickets online and save, or become an annual pass holder to visit the exhibit all year long!

Bring the past to life. Protect the future!