July 5, 2012
Looking for our large lizard? Gorgon, our Komodo dragon, is now enjoying the warm summer weather in an outdoor exhibit next to the ring-tailed lemurs.
"We love giving Gorgon a chance to get outside every summer," says zookeeper Dave Messmann. "The natural sunlight is very important for healthy bone development in lizards like her."
At age 18, Gorgon is entering her golden years, so maintaining bone health is vital.
Messmann has helped care for Gorgon since she arrived here from the Cincinnati Zoo in 1994 for the Indonesian Rain Forest's grand opening. He has watched Gorgon grow from a mere 18-inch-long hatchling to her impressive current length of 6 feet.
Because reptiles like Komodo dragons cannot regulate their own body temperature, they move between sunlight and shade to warm up or cool off. In her new habitat, Gorgon has plenty of options, including a box where she can seek shelter from rain or cool temps, in case it ever rains or cools off!
"When the nighttime lows start to dip below 55 degrees, we'll move Gorgon back to her indoor exhibit," in Dr. Diversity's Rain Forest Research Station, Messmann says. Until then, Gorgon will revel in her extended summer vacation.
Educator Appreciation Day
Thursday, July 19, 2012
8-11 a.m.
FREE for teachers, pre-service teachers, and homeschool parents
Get 2 PGP Points
Educators can experience in-depth workshops, participate in animal observations, and enjoy refreshments and giveaways. Receive two Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points for participating in all the workshops.
Admission is FREE for teachers, pre-service teachers, and homeschool parents teaching Grades pre-K to 12. Sorry, free admission and activities are not available for family members or guests.
Please register in advance by contacting the Zoo Education Department at 427-6808 or education@kidszoo.org.
