Fresh dino arrivals at Dino Parque
Carnivorous Giants Invade Dino Parque Lourinha
Step into the Jurassic era like never before as Dino Parque Lourinha unveils two towering titans from across the globe. The park's Cretaceous trail now pulses with the presence of the Giganotosaurus, the colossal king of South American carnivores, and the Gigantoraptor, the Mongolian monster with a sharp, formidable beak.
These extraordinary beasts join the park's roster of over 200 permanent inhabitants, offering guests an unparalleled opportunity to get face-to-face with some of the biggest meat-eaters that ever roamed the earth.
The South American Giant - Giganotosaurus
Hailing from the depths of Argentina's Patagonia, the Giganotosaurus is a titan of the Carcharodontosauridae family. Sizing up to a staggering 12–13 meters in length, and tipping the scales at around 6–7 metric tons, this lethal predator is no stranger to controversy, often debated as equally fearsome as Tyrannosaurus rex.
With a long, narrow skull measuring approximately 1.6–1.8 meters in length, the Giganotosaurus boasts a pair of massive serrated teeth, reminiscent of shark teeth, designed for slicing flesh with ease. Fossil evidence suggests that these formidable creatures may have hunted in packs, making them a formidable adversary for anything that crossed their path.
The Mongolian Marvel - Gigantoraptor
While the Giganotosaurus reigns supreme in South America, Mongolia boasts the Gigantoraptor, a peculiar and powerful feathered predator capable of delivering a fierce defense. At eight meters long, this theropod sported a sharp, pronounced beak designed for tearing and defending, particularly when guarding its eggs. The Gigantoraptor was known for its aggressive behavior, even tearing off a limb from unwanted visitors with a single attack.
Both the Giganotosaurus and the Gigantoraptor are now center stage at Dino Parque Lourinha, providing visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of Earth's most awe-inspiring predators.
As you meander along five outdoor trails, you'll encounter over 200 full-scale models distributed throughout the main periods of dinosaur history. With a fully immersive experience that combines science, nature, and entertainment, Dino Parque Lourinha invites guests of all ages to experience the wonder of the Jurassic era like never before.
[Enrichment Data: South America and Mongolia have yielded fossils of some of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs ever discovered. Below is a summary of the most significant species from each region and their distinctive features.
Largest Carnivorous Dinosaurs of South America
Giganotosaurus carolinii- Location: Argentina (Patagonia)- Family: Carcharodontosauridae- Distinctive Features: - Size: Estimated length up to 12–13 meters (39–43 feet), with a weight of about 6–7 metric tons for typical individuals; some estimates suggest that the largest could rival or exceed Tyrannosaurus in mass[4][1]. - Skull: Long and narrow skull, approximately 1.6–1.8 meters in length. - Teeth: Large, blade-like teeth serrated for slicing flesh; similar to shark teeth (hence the name for the family). - Era: Lived during the Late Cretaceous, around 100–97 million years ago[4]. - Social Behavior: Evidence from closely related species suggests possible pack hunting behavior, though this is not definitively proven for Giganotosaurus itself.- Other Notable Carcharodontosaurids in South America: Mapusaurus, also from Argentina, which was similarly large and might have exhibited pack behavior[2][1].
Largest Carnivorous Dinosaurs of Mongolia
Tarbosaurus bataar- Location: Mongolia and China (Inner Mongolia)- Family: Tyrannosauridae (closely related to Tyrannosaurus rex)- Distinctive Features: - Size: Estimated length up to 10–12 meters (33–39 feet), with a weight of around 2–5 metric tons, making it the largest known predator in its environment. - Skull: Massive, robust skull about 1.3 meters long, similar to T. rex but shorter and more compact. - Teeth: Thick, banana-shaped teeth designed for crushing bone and flesh. - Era: Lived during the Late Cretaceous, around 70–66 million years ago. - Sensory Adaptations: Highly developed olfactory bulbs and keen senses for hunting.- Other Notable Carnivorous Dinosaurs: Therizinosaurus was another large theropod from Mongolia, but it was herbivorous, not carnivorous.]
Portugal's latest news headlines feature the arrival of two colossal dinosaurs at Dino Parque Lourinha, hailing from the science domain of space-and-astronomy. The South American Giganotosaurus, a monstrous carnivore discovered in Patagonia, and the Mongolian Gigantoraptor, a peculiar feathered predator, now grace the Cretaceous trail, expanding the park's roster of over 200 permanent inhabitants. These discoveries not only captivate the minds of scientists but also add a dose of entertainment to the visitor experience.
