Two life-sized juvenile dinosaur puppets — a 14-foot Tyrannosaurus rex and a 9-foot Triceratops — are now roaming the halls of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. They are a part of the museum's new Dinosaur Encounters experience.

To create Dinosaur Encounters, museum paleontologists collaborated with puppet fabricators and performers to bring the dinosaurs to "life," while still ensuring authentic detail and movement.

NHM Gallery Interpreters guide the puppets through galleries and diorama halls, and assist in demonstrations developed by museum scientists and educators. These amazingly realistic creatures help us better understand dinosaur behavior, anatomy and survival tactics.

Although the presentations are educational, there is also an experiential component to Dinosaur Encounters. In programs so far, children have talked to, danced with, and pet the dinosaurs — and the photo and video opportunities are endless.

Now through September 1, the Dinosaur Encounters puppets perform Wednesdays through Sundays, three times daily at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm Shows take place in the North American Mammal Hall, located on the second floor.

*** Please note that “Dinosaur Encounters” will be on hiatus September 1 – September 23, 2008, returning to their regular schedule on Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Visit the Museum to see “Dinosaur Encounters” until September 1, 2008 and pick up a voucher for a discount on “Walking With Dinosaur” tickets!

Already planning to see “Walking With Dinosaurs”? Save your ticket stub and bring it to the Museum for $3 off general adult admission. Offer good through December 31, 2008.

“Dinosaur Encounters” is FREE with Museum admission.