Dinosaurs may have gone extinct millions of years ago, but their legacy still lives on in the animal kingdom!
Many species share surprising traits with prehistoric giants let’s look at some of Perth Zoo’s animals and unpack how they are dino-like ancestors.
1.Crocodiles
Crocodiles are one of the closest living relatives of dinosaurs, having roamed the Earth for over 200 million years.
These ancient reptiles have barely changed since dinosaurs roamed, making them true “living fossils”.
Their armoured bodies, powerful jaws and ambush hunting tactics are strikingly like the Deinosuchus, a massive, crocodile-like predator that grew up to 10 metres long!
Check out this video of our Estuarine Crocodile Dangles using his razor-sharp teeth to devour his meal!
2. Komodo Dragons
As the world’s largest lizard, Komodo Dragons share many traits with dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
They have powerful legs, sharp teeth and a deadly bite, with venomous saliva that helps take down prey-just like their prehistoric cousins.
Did you know? Komodo Dragons have an iron coating on their teeth to tear through flesh.
3. Cassowaries
If dinosaurs walked among us today, cassowaries would be the closest modern bird to them.
These large, flightless birds have clawed feet, sharp beaks and a powerful kick capable of knocking down predators. Their casque (helmet-like structure on their head) is like the helmet-like structures of certain dinosaur species.
Fun fact! Cassowaries casque “helmet” is made from keratin which is the same substance that our fingernails are made from.
Zoorassic Park is here!
Eight dinosaurs have stomped into Perth Zoo! Learn more about these prehistoric creatures by planning trip to the Zoo. There’s plenty to explore – from the Playleontology Pit and Dino Keeper talks to exploring the dino-mite menu at the Café – it’s a T-REXellent day out for the whole family!
Don’t forget to say hello to all the Zoo residents you know and love, including the 3 mentioned above!