Jurassic Journey Dinosaur Exhibit Has Made its Way to the HYPE Recreation Center

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI -- The Jurassic Journey Dinosaur Exhibit has made its way to the HYPE Recreation Center. For the first time in the State’s history, the “Burning Tree Mastodon” will make its way to Metro Detroit. The exhibit will include the 11,600 year old skeletal remains of the Mastodon and over 50 dinosaur replicas that roamed the earth during the Jurassic Period! 

This amazing exhibit will kick-off with a VIP Preview May 1^st from 6pm – 9pm and open to the public May 2 – 12, 2013. The HYPE Recreation Center (HRC) is located at 23302 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. The daily attendance is estimated to be over 7,000 people. Exhibit hours are 9am - 9pm weekdays and 9am - 6pm on weekends.

Whether you’re coming with your family or on a scheduled field trip, Jurassic Journey is a must see. Ticket fee for youth ages 4 – 13 is $6/each; ages 14 and older is $12/each (kids 3 and younger are free). Groups of 20 or more are eligible for group pricing.

"The objective of Jurassic Journey is to expose young and adult minds to a broader view of science. The educational program provides not only uncommon facts about dinosaurs, but also introduces girls and boys to unusual career opportunities, such as, archeology, paleontology, earth science, environment science, microbiology, geology and paleomicrobiology. Our commitment is to help create an awareness of the fun and excitement involved in the exploration of science," Sherm Byers, Discoverer of the Burning Tree Mastodon.

"The museum quality replicas bring the exhibit to life, Mr. Byers stated". Byers will be available at the VIP Preview May 1^st from 6pm – 9pm and throughout the duration for the exhibit to answer questions.

A full size replica of the 14' tall "Burning Tree Mastodon" discovered in Newark, Ohio is a featured attraction. This impressive 11,600 skeletal replica is a show stopper. The scientific value of the burning Tree Mastodon is highlighted by the following facts: (1) This mastodon is the third largest mastodon ever found. (2) The skeletal remains were 95% complete - the most complete to date. (3) The intestines contained 8 species of live bacteria dated 11,600 years old - thus yielding the oldest living bacteria found anywhere on earth!

Noted paleontologist, Dr. J. Gordon Ogden said, "the specimen represents the cutting edge of a new field of science". He referred to this new field as "paleomicrobiology". During the years since Dr. Ogden made his comments, his predictions have reached the fringes of reality. "There's nothing that even approaches the research potential of this find. There's a lifetime of research in this one animal. In my view, this is one of the most important finds that have been made…ever".

Evidence indicates the 11,600 year old "Burning Tree Mastodon" was slain by Clovis people 9,600 years before humans were thought to inhabit the area. Flint marking on the mastodon's ribs show not only did humans exist, but were sophisticated enough to bring down the 10,000 pound beast. This link would help support the overkill hypothesis championed by Paul Martin, suggesting large mammals became extinct at the hands of humans by contrast with natural events. He stated, "Large mammals disappeared not because they lost their food supply, but because they became one".

Partnership opportunities are endless; join HYPE in this effort to captivate the minds of both young and old and be a part of the State’s history as Jurassic Journey travels to Michigan!

For media or partnership inquiries, contact Maysaa Mackie at mmackie@hypeathletics.org or (313)436-0043 ext. 115. For ticket information, email dinosaur@hypeathletics.org, call (313) 436-0043 ext. 163 or visit www.hypeathletics.org. Follow HYPE at @HYPEAthletics and like us at http://www.facebook.com/hypeathletics.