Dinosaurs Need Love, Too!

Museum of Nature & Science Puts Dinosaurs Up for Adoption

DALLAS, Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- North Texans now have the opportunity to have a dinosaur of their very own.  The new "Adopt-A-Dino" program offers unique sponsorship opportunities for individuals and companies to claim one of the life-like robots of the popular Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit, currently on display at the Museum of Nature & Science.

"Adopting a dinosaur is a one-of-a kind gift for kids, grandkids or anyone on your list," says Megan Harrison, Director of Corporate Giving for the Museum of Nature & Science.  "While they won't fit under the tree, recipients can visit their Dino at MNS and will receive great mementos to keep for (millions of) years.  And the giving extends beyond the holidays because funds raised through these dinosaur adoptions fund future MNS programs, too, so it really is a gift that keeps on giving!"

Dinosaurs Unearthed features 14 different moving, roaring replicas of varying sizes and species,  so patrons can adopt a smaller dinosaur for a few hundred dollars or the largest for a few thousand dollars!  Each adoption comes with a certificate, a "family photo" of the parents with their adopted creature, and sponsorship signage that becomes part of the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit.  Sponsors also receive a mention and links on the Museum of Nature & Science web site and free tickets to the exhibit.  Even after the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit closes in May 2011, adoptive "parents" will have a special plaque as a permanent reminder of their "baby."

While many creatures are still available, the largest dinosaur - a 50 foot, life-sized adult Tyrannosaurus Rex – has already been adopted by Lockheed Martin.

"Lockheed Martin is proud to support the Museum of Nature & Science and 'adopt' the T-Rex," said Hannah Stone, Community Relations manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.  "We are excited about the learning opportunity this program offers, because we are driven by a desire to develop an interest in Science among students in our community."

Adoption prices are determined by the size of the animal.  The largest dinosaurs in the collection that are twenty feet or more can be adopted for around $2,000.  There are medium-sized dinosaurs that range between $1,200 and $1,900.  Even the non-robotic skeletons are available for sponsorship.  The full range of dinosaurs and their adoption costs are available online at www.natureandscience.org.

Contact: Jennifer Whitus, 214-426-4629, [email protected]

SOURCE Museum of Nature & Science