Astonished visitors looked up in amazement as two roaring prehistoric beasts faced each other in the Battle of the Biomes at the Eden Project. Onlookers were transported back 67 million years as a newly-arrived giant Triceratops – the biggest dinosaur ever to roam the Eden gardens – grappled its arch nemesis the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. The face-off on the grassy rooftop between the bubbles of the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes comes in advance of Eden's summer holiday spectacular Dinosaur Uprising: Land, Sea and Air, from July 23 to September 4.
The Triceratops, famous for its three horns, massive frill and beak-like mouth, is one of the new stars of the summer at Eden and will be seen rampaging around the gardens along with the Tyrannosaurus rex. It is thought that Triceratops used their horns to fend off attacks and to fight other members of the species. They were herbivores that weighed around 5.5 tonnes and ate palm fronds, similar to those found in the Rainforest Biome.
Chris Pritchard, Eden's production manager, said: "This giant Triceratops is the most exciting addition to our prehistoric menagerie since we launched our first dinosaur season in 2014. It is truly a sight to behold and is an imposing opponent for our ferocious T. rex." In another first, Eden is installing an awe-inspiring underwater section, giving visitors the opportunity to dive into oceanic depths to “swim” with ancient aquatic creatures, including the majestic Plesiosaur. Plesiosaurs are a family of giant underwater reptiles including creatures that could grow as long as 17 metres, making them some of the largest marine predators ever.
Also new this year, the Mediterranean Biome will become the home of the flying Pterosaurs. From the strange-looking Dimorphodon with its oversized head to the mighty Pteranodon, visitors will be able to learn little-known facts about these ancient flying reptiles. They will also have the opportunity to get close to some life-sized dinosaur jaws, to learn about eating and hunting habits as well as marvel at the giant teeth.
Among the friendlier beasts, a long-necked Titanosaur will offer an insight into the lives of the mighty vegetarian sauropods, the largest animals ever to live on land. The ever-popular dig pit – where children can wield pickaxes and chip away at rock to reveal a massive dinosaur fossil – will also be returning. Dinosaur Uprising: Land, Sea and Air will take place at the Eden Project from July 23 to September 4 and all activities are included in the standard Eden admission fee. Opening hours will be extended until 8pm on Mondays to Thursdays during the season.
