-- The final countdown has begun: in just a few days, the Birmingham Zoo will unveil its latest exhibit—one that will surely open with a roar. On Saturday, March 16 at noon, the zoo will officially open the prehistoric doors to

, a 3-acre trek along the Alabama Wild exhibit, featuring a total of 15 paleontological wonders.

Some will soar as high as 20 feet in the air and

—which will be used as a climb-friendly photo-op—will be animated to feature an array of realistic movements and sounds. Two of the ancient creatures will even spit water at curious onlookers.

Zoo guests will have the opportunity to explore the newly populated dinosaur terrain through the winding wilderness for an additional $5 for non-members and $3 for members (plus tax).

Last month, AL.com was on hand to witness the unloading and installation of the giant creatures—painted by Texas-based The Dinosaur Company to match the color-schemes within the Alabama Wild exhibit. The Citipati dinosaur, for example, was painted to compliment the colors of the Red-Tailed Hawk, whose home will be right around the corner from its new neighbor.

The biggest and probably the most recognizable dinosaur on display will be the Tyrannosaurus Rex, built to the life-size scale of a full-grown adult dinosaur.

"Its roar will definitely be the most impressive," said Robby Gilbert, prehistoric display advisor with The Dinosaur Company, in a previous interview.

The exhibit will feature realistic replicas of dinosaurs found on nearly every continent—from North and South America, to Antarctica and Asia. Once completed, Dino Discovery will also contain an exploration cabin complete with fossils, a dinosaur-themed gift shop and a fossil digging area.

The Birmingham Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14 (plus tax) for adults, $9 (plus tax) for children ages 2-12 and senior citizens. Children under the age of two and Birmingham Zoo members get in free. Memberships start at $40 with unlimited visits to the Zoo for 363 days a year.

To more about the dinosaurs and the installation process, click here.

For more zoo activities planned during Spring Break, click here.