What's Happening?
Field Station: Dinosaurs, a New Jersey theme park, is closing on November 9 and is selling its animatronic dinosaurs on Facebook Marketplace. The park, which opened in 2012, is offering a variety of dinosaurs, including a 52-foot-long Spinosaurus and a Hadrosaurus with eggs, priced between $500 and $3,500. The park's executive producer, Guy Gsell, hopes the dinosaurs find new homes, whether in museums, zoos, or private collections. The park will host final events, including a 'Jurassic Petting Zoo' and 'Dinosaurs After Dark,' before its closure.
Why It's Important?
The closure of Field Station: Dinosaurs marks the end of a unique educational and entertainment venue that has attracted over a million visitors. The sale of its animatronic dinosaurs presents a rare opportunity for collectors and institutions to acquire life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures. This event highlights the challenges faced by niche attractions in maintaining financial viability and adapting to changing market conditions. The park's closure also reflects broader trends in the entertainment industry, where traditional attractions must innovate to compete with digital and interactive experiences.
What's Next?
As the park prepares to close, potential buyers of the animatronic dinosaurs must arrange for deinstallation and transportation. The park's management is prioritizing buyers who can purchase multiple dinosaurs, potentially leading to new exhibitions or private collections. The park's final events offer a last chance for visitors to experience its attractions, while the sale of the dinosaurs may inspire similar initiatives at other attractions facing financial difficulties.
