A display of 19 animatronic dinosaurs designed in Fremantle and built in China is beginning to take shape at Perth Zoo.

The robotic creatures, which move and make noises, were built on a metal framework and range in weight from a few hundred kilos to a tonne.

Two of the 19 Mesozoic-era models have already been installed in their temporary home at the zoo, and the whole group will come to life on March 12.

Included among the prehistoric attractions are models of a Parasaurolophous, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus rex.

Perth Zoo's Jen Allan said the dinosaurs were designed in Fremantle and built in Nanjing, Perth's Chinese Sister City.

"An incredible amount goes into making them, some of them are brand new," she said.

"They [the Chinese manufacturer] take over 12 weeks to produce one dinosaur.

"There's going to be about 14 different species, with some really old ones and also some baby dinosaurs."