Dinosaurs Take over the Zilker Botanical Gardens:

se days a stroll through the Zilker Botanical Gens could lead to an encoun w a sm herd of Bambiraptors, dss w fhered wings similar to a turkey. word "raptor" means thief and these little cru, named af the Disney charac, were known to steal the babies of other dss. usuy sedate gens are full of kinds of life-size dss, like the ferocious cousin to T- Rex, a Daspletos, standing at 33 feet t. 30 cru from the DLand traveling exhibit will continue to have a temporary ice among the flora and fauna of the Botanical Gens until November 30, 2008.

scientificy-accurate exhibit, cred by Lost World Studio founder Guy Darrough, is a rific reason to visit one of Austin's gr outdoor venues. Zilker Botanical Gens is a non-profit organization established in 1955, w the gens making a home in Barton Hills since 1962.

It takes an average of eight months for one of the dss to be cred out of wire, foam and wood frames covered w clay, silicone rubber, plastic and fiberglass. ult is an indibly life-like crure, further enhanced by the outdoor display of plants, nests w eggs and large bones scated about the exhibits. Little ones can stand in awe of the 30 feet t Kritosus, a gentle plant-ing giant whose name means "Noble Liz."

As visitors wander from one period of the Mesozoic Era to the next, they will also come across sm woo dss decorated by local elementary schools. re is the Hip-Hoposus complete w gold chain and sunglasses. se clever colorful cru are a big hit w sm children, as they are just their size and close to the trail.

Another attraction is the Zoo of Ferns, repenting some of the more than 12,000 species of ferns that exist today. origins of the fern can be traced back 450 million years, making it a perfect prehistoric companion to the DLand exhibit. Put together by members of the Gen Club of Austin known as the Fern Team, this exhibit gives kids an eye-level introduction into the world of ferns.

Af seeing the dss, visitors should take the time to explore the t of the gens, such as the Mabel Davis Rose Gen, Isamu Taniguchil Japanese Gen or the take a walk along the Butfly Trail. It's worth a visit to the Chrysalis Gift Shop for things ds. admission to the DLand exhibit is $5 for adults and $3 for children (3-13).