Lions, tigers and dinosaurs? Oh, my!

The age of the dinosaurs has arrived at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, as robotic dinosaurs created by Billings Productions, Inc. take over the facility’s Conifer Forest.

The creatures rumble, rattle and roar as park guests meander down a natural winding path through the forest, which is home to the nation’s second-largest collection of conifer species.

After passing each dinosaur family, guests stamp their Dino Mountain passport, a gift they take home to remember the amazing creatures they saw.

One area even allows children to make a stegosaurus move by pushing and pulling on a joystick.

"It’s a great way for kids to take control of the dinosaur – giving them an understanding that, yes, these dinosaurs might look real but under all that skin it’s just a robot," says Dani Dodge Medlin, a park spokeswoman.

Exhibit guests can enjoy more than 24 dinosaurs at the park. Children’s eyes open wide as the mama tyrannosaurus rex, a 46-foot-long carnivore, growls from above their heads.

Kids "ooh" and "ahh" as they touch the colorful, rubbery dinosaur skin and giggle with delight as they dodge the spray of the dilophosaurus, which some of them call "the spitting dinosaur."

Patrons might want to bring a towel if they plan on hanging out around him, as he has long-range capabilities.

"Dinosaurs don’t show up at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park too often, but when they do, they are always a huge hit with kids of all ages," said Michael Ahlering, director of park operations. "It is amazing to watch the wonder on the faces of the youngsters as they walk among these giant, now extinct, creatures."

This is the first time these prehistoric creatures have roamed the Wild Animal Park since 2004 and Dino Mountain will be open from 9 a.m. to dusk June 20 through Sept. 7.

Price is $3 for zoo members, $4 for nonmembers, at the ticket booth, and included with Best Value Admission ($38 adult, $29 children ages 3-11, free for those under 3).

Best Value Admission also includes the Journey into Africa tour and all-day Conservation Carousel rides.