After Halloween the rest of the year flew by as if on Quetzalcoatlus Wings! Three New Prehistoric Pals arrived at the Park in September and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to introduce them. Two Raptors and a Movie Dilophosaurus. Do you know why he’s a Movie Dilophosaurus? Keep Reading to see if you have the right answer. As a Movie Dinosaur he’s decided on a famous name Rudy Valentino after the Famous Silent Movie Star in the 1920’s. Like Delores del Rio Dilophosaurus another name from the Age of the Silent Movies. If you remember, Delores joined the Park in March 2022. Delores del Rio has been titled the female version of Rudolph Valentino. So now as Dinosaurs they can Star together at the Park.
Do you know when Dinosaurs first appeared in Movies? Many have seen the 1933 version of King Kong with the classic battle with Kong & a Dinosaur. That’s not the first Movie. Nor is the 1925 version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World”. An Animated Silent Movie “Gertie the Dinosaur” in 1914 wins the prize. “Gertie” was created by American Cartoonist Winsor McCay 1867-1934. His work influenced the next generation of animators including Walt Disney. Remember it’s a Silent Movie with 5 ½ minutes before animation starts. Check out YouTube for the most current version of the video. Also, make sure you select the video that plays organ music in the background for the true silent movie experience.
I’m Not a fan of movies with men in rubber suits and those that attach things to monitor lizards or iguanas for their dinosaurs. There have been many Movies with Dinosaurs worth checking out pre & post Jurassic Park & World. If you like Cowboys & Dinosaurs “The Valley of Gwangi” 1969 could be in your round-up. “Dinosaur” 2000 by Disney, British TV 2001 “The Lost World” based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s book has effects that still hold up today. “Walking with Dinosaurs” 2013 is highly recommended. By Pixar “The Good Dinosaur” 2015. “Dinosaurs – the Final Day” with David Attenborough 2022 TV. Apple TV’s “Prehistoric Planet” is Fantastic. Two Seasons that will make you feel as if you are on a National Geographic Safari with living, breathing Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Marvels. Check Out Your Local Library for these movies and more. Plus, Young and Older can enjoy the animated Cretaceous Camp series on Netflix.
Ok so back to our Question, “What makes a Hollywood Dinosaur?” Well, the Motion Picture Industry enjoys making things scarier & cooler. As if Dinosaurs & other Prehistoric Beasts aren’t Scary or Cool enough! In the case of the Dilophosaurus meaning “Double-Crested Lizard” the JP Movies added the Neck Frills and the ability to Spit a Paralyzing Venom. So, No it’s Not the Sunglasses or the Shopping Bag that make a Hollywood Dinosaur. Although Delores loves both. The fossil record has never uncovered neck frills nor does the study of any Dilophosaurus skulls reflect the ability to spit or store venom. Remember Movies add. To be fair from the first Jurassic Park Movie, they advise you that the DNA of other animals are used to fill in the gaps of the Dinosaur DNA. Therefore, the Jurassic Park Dinosaurs will look and behave differently than the Dinosaurs that lived over 65 Million Years Ago.
But we almost forgot our two New Raptors that arrived with Rudy from Somis Koi. So far 14 of our Prehistoric Pals have migrated from Mexico to Somis Koi before arriving at the Park. These two Raptors have yet to choose a Name. Perhaps you can help them? Email me at paul@paulsprehistoricpark.com with your suggestions.
Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Fun Facts, Fiction & Crafts!
Consider a Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. Below are 3 of my favorites Museums. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site. Look for Gnatalie the Green Dinosaur! Plus T-Rex in 3D a Prehistoric Movie!
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Here are four books for Drawing Dinosaurs that you might find at your Library. Ask your Librarian about others.
1-2-3 Draw Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals A step by step guide by Freddie Levin (2001)
Draw 50 Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames (1977)
Draw it Dinosaurs by Patricia Walsh (2006)
I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst (2003)
Stay Safe & Well
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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