Ordinarily, the low hilly island of Komodo can only be reached by boat. Unless you have permission to fly there in a helicopter and use the landing pad, it is only used for President Suharto of the Republic of Indonesia. The island west of Floers, east of Sumbawa and north of Sumba will remain a mystery.
In attempts to prevent Komodo from being a mere abstraction, the Toledo Zoo has brought to the park an important feature from the island: a Komodo dragon.
The Komodo dragon’s powerful claws and long-forked tongues are impressive and add to the excitement that these are the largest lizards in the world. And their deadly saliva adds to the fear that they are the only lizard known to prey upon people.
The arrival of Danta, the 140 pound, 6 foot male Komodo dragon is part of the celebration of the Zoo’s new Dragon exhibit opening today.
Dragons, located in the Zoo’s Museum of Science, explores both the myths and realities of dragons — all dragons, not just Komodos.
Other scaly features of the exhibit are the bearded dragons from central and southern Australia, the frilled dragon from northern Australia and the water dragon from southeast Asia.
Visitors will learn about dragon physiology, taxonomy, courtship and life cycle.
There is more than science involved in the dragon exhibit. The exhibit will also provide fascinating facts about mythological dragons, a princess storyteller and fun props.
“Dragons have been written about and talked about all over the world and in various cultures,” said Andi Norman, assistant director of marketing and public relations for the Toledo Zoo.
The journey to Komodo is difficult if not near impossible and to some, crossing the rough waters of the Maumee river may be a challenge as well.
Fortunately, room 111 in the Life Science Building has many sizes of bearded dragons, frilled dragons and rankin dragons on display and ready to be picked up from their cages and held.
Unlike the Zoo’s Komodo dragon, which is tightly secured to prevent any harmful or fatal human contact, the smaller dragons are friendly.
“I would rather have a kid hold a bearded dragon than a hamster. They love to be held, and they love attention,” said Kay Edwards, herpetology lab volunteer.
Come and give the dragons on display at the Toledo Zoo some attention anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
