Get ready for a truly special experience! We’re flying in the one and only ‘Dino Don’ Lessem all the way from the USA, exclusively to Dublin Zoo! You will have the chance to meet the legendary ‘Dino Don’ (Steven Spielberg’s science advisor from the original Jurassic Park movie) in this exclusive, interactive encounter! These limited-capacity sessions are jam-packed. You will:

• Get Up Close: Marvel at incredible fossils and amazing prehistoric artifacts as Dino Don unveils their hidden secrets! 
• Unlock Secrets: Hear behind-the-scenes stories from Jurassic Park and fascinating facts about your favourite dinosaurs. 
• Ask the Expert: Have burning dino questions? Dino Don is ready to answer them! 
• Create Lasting Memories: Opportunities for photos with Dino Don and signed books will make this an unforgettable encounter for every dino enthusiast in your family! 
• The Prehistoric Party Continues: The Roar Roar Dinosaur Crew will be keeping the party going with their famous immersive workshops & activities happening at the Great Lawn!  

Where & when: 

• Discovery & Learning Centre 

• Fri 27th June: 4pm – 5.30pm

• Sat 28th June: 11am – 12.30pm & 2pm – 3.30pm 

• Sun 29th June: 11am – 12.30pm

Why are tickets limited for ‘Roarsome Family Adventures with the Legendary Dino Don!’ 

To ensure a highly interactive, hands-on and personal experience, this specific event has a strict capacity limit. Children will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes hands-on activities, and the rare opportunity to meet Dino Don in person for an unforgettable prehistoric adventure. 

Please note that a ticket to this event also includes full access to Dublin Zoo and Zoorassic Trail during the day of the event. Spaces are extremely limited – book now to avoid disappointment and be part of this once-in-a-Jurassic-period experience! 

For guests that don’t manage to secure a ticket to this event, please note that the prehistoric party will be buzzing around Dublin Zoo during the Zoorassic Trail Takeover, so bring your dino-mite little explorers and enjoy the surprises we have in store for you! 

(Click ‘Book Now’ below to see pricing for this exclusive add-on experience). 

BOOK NOW

An Evening with the Experts – Working on the Edge of Extinction: When Science Meets Science Fiction 

“What if extinction wasn’t forever?” From Hollywood hype to hopeful habitats, meet our panel of experts that can separate fact from fantasy – from the palaeontologists uncovering the creatures erased from existence to those fighting to defend the species still with us today.  

As part of our Zoorassic Trail Takeover, we’re flying in the one and only ‘Dino Don’ Lessem all the way from the USA, exclusively to Dublin Zoo! Don will be leading our panel of experts to uncover the wonders of the prehistoric age. This is your chance to meet the world-renowned dinosaur expert and the original science advisor to Steven Spielberg on the iconic Jurassic Park movie! 

For two exclusive nights only, prepare for an unforgettable prehistoric journey with:  

• Exclusive Zoorassic Trail Tour: Get up close and personal with our immersive, after-hours tour led by Zookeeper Brendan Walsh. Discover the world of our resident animals and life-size animatronic dinosaurs that will inspire your very own dino questions. 
• Light refreshments: After your immersive tour, refuel with some light refreshments before entering the prehistoric world with our panel of experts. 
• Expert Panel: Engage with the minds uncovering creatures lost to time and those battling to save the species we still have. With special guest MC – Newstalk journalist John Fardy. 
• Burning Questions Answered: From cloning possibilities – ‘can we bring back dinosaurs like the dire wolves?’, the realities of de-extinction and the behaviours revealed by fossils – no question is too big (or too nerdy!)  
• Merch Madness: Stock up on our dino-mite Zoorassic Trail merchandise. 
• Photo Ops & Autographs: Don’t miss your chance to snag a selfie and autograph with Dino Don himself! 

These aren’t just talks – they’re an immersive journey into the golden age of dinosaurs and how it informs modern day conservation. Don’t miss the chance to meet Dino Don and uncover the prehistoric past of dinosaurs with these exclusive events! 

When & Where: 

• Dublin Zoo’s Discovery & Learning Centre 

• Thursday 26th June 6pm – 9.30pm 

• Friday 27th June 6pm – 9.30pm

Please arrive on time for orientation at 6pm as your exclusive after hours tour behind the scenes at Dublin Zoo will set off at 6.15pm sharp. It’s important to arrive in advance for orientation before our expert guides take you on an unforgettable adventure. Admission will close strictly after 6.15pm. 

Ticket Information: 

• General Admission: €25 per person (Strictly 16+) 

• Annual Pass Holders: €23 per person (Strictly 16+) 

Why are tickets limited for ‘An Evening with the Experts’? 

To ensure a truly intimate and immersive experience, spaces for ‘An Evening with the Experts’ are extremely limited and strictly reserved for guests aged 16 and over. This is your rare chance to step behind the scenes at Dublin Zoo after hours for an exclusive evening with our animal care and education teams. 

Booking is essential as capacity is very limited. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-Jurassic-period experience! 

BOOK NOW

Your Zoorassic Trail Takeover summer adventure continues with these dino-mite activities – all part of your standard day ticket or Annual Pass: 

• ROAR ROAR Dinosaur Crew & Ranger Dan are BACK! Dive into their famous interactive show – meet baby dinosaurs at their petting zoo, make fossil clay masterpieces, get dino-themed face painting and spot roaming dinosaurs!  

• When & where: The Great Lawn (in the Farmhouse if weather is not permitting) – Fri 27th June (from 2pm), Sat 28th & Sun 29th (hourly from 11am-5pm). 

• Explore Zoorassic Trail! Journey in time with over 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs to discover. Hear their roars and see them move! This incredible experience is included with your standard Zoo admission.