PacSci’s Beloved Dinosaurs Are Looking for New Homes

December 9, 2025

For generations, Pacific Science Center’s animatronic dinosaurs have been larger-than-life stars of the guest experience. Children have squealed with delight, families have posed for unforgettable photos, and countless guests have wandered through our exhibits wide-eyed with wonder. 

Now, after decades of inspiring imaginations, our dinosaurs are ready for a new chapter, and we are inviting our community to help write it. 

You can now adopt pieces of the iconic animatronic dinosaur exhibit through a fundraising initiative. It is a unique chance to claim a piece of PacSci’s story while supporting hands-on STEM learning for students, families, and curious minds across Washington. 

All proceeds from dino adoptions go directly toward our nonprofit mission, helping fuel science education, support educators, and expand access to science experiences for all. 

A History of PacSci’s Dinosaurs

PacSci’s dinosaurs have been delighting visitors for more than 40 years. They first appeared in 1984 as part of our Science Circus winter festival, where kids filled their Dino Passports with inky stamps and families marveled at the lifelike animatronics.  

As dinosaurs became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s and ‘90s, our exhibit grew in scale and eventually became a permanent fixture at PacSci. For more than two decades, these creatures greeted visitors of all ages, creating memories that still inspire nostalgia today. 

Read more about the fascinating history of our dinosaurs for a deep dive into the impact they’ve had at PacSci’s campus and beyond.

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Why We’re Offering Dino Adoptions

Earlier this year, as we announced the retirement of PacSci’s dinosaurs, we received hundreds of messages from our community asking what would happen to them. People shared stories of family trips, childhood memories, and the joy these creatures had brought for decades. Your excitement, nostalgia, and curiosity made it clear that these dinosaurs hold a special place in so many hearts.  

We want to offer the opportunity to adopt these pieces of PacSci history directly to the community that loved them so much. It is a chance to carry their magic forward while supporting the future of hands-on STEM learning across Washington.

How Dino Adoption Works

We’re partnering with Greater Giving, the same platform we use for our community fundraising events, to host all dino adoptions in a secure online auction. 

Here’s what to expect: 

  • Browse the available dinosaurs and exhibit pieces on our Greater Giving page. 
  • Submit your adoption bid through the secure platform. 
  • Adoptees will go to the highest bidder. 
  • Successful bidders will be notified once the auction closes. 
  • Unsuccessful bidders will not be charged. 
  • If you win, you will need to coordinate pickup with our team within two weeks of auction closure. Shipping is unavailable.

Important Information & Disclaimers

To ensure a smooth and transparent process, please review the following before placing a bid:

  • Some dinosaurs are partial, incomplete, or worn due to their age and long history on exhibit. 
  • Items are adopted as-is. 
  • No refunds are available, as all winning bids are considered charitable donations supporting Pacific Science Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 
  • Donations may be tax-deductible; please consult your tax advisor. 
  • Maintenance support from the original manufacturing company is no longer available. 
  • Winners are responsible for transporting their dinosaur during the designated pickup window. 
  • Due to the fragility of these artifacts, shipping is not an option.
Inside of an animatronic dinosaur in Pacific Science Center

Join the Adventure

Dino adoptions open to the public on December 10, and run until December 18, at 11:59 p.m. PST. 

If you have ever dreamed of giving a prehistoric friend a new home, this is your chance. Your donation will help deepen science learning for communities across our region. 

Adopt a piece of PacSci history 

Thank you for helping us give these beloved creatures a joyful sendoff and for supporting the mission that keeps curiosity growing. 

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