What:
Media are invited to watch as one of the zoo’s Komodo dragons devour a
12-pound turkey just in time for Thanksgiving. This will be the first turkey
dinner ever for the 110-pound male lizard. Next, visit the Sumatran tiger exhibit
as a 260-pound tiger pounces on a turkey-shaped piñata, scented with some
pumpkin pie spices.
Photo:
Dennis Conner |
The
special treats are a part of the zookeepers’ ongoing efforts
to help enrich the lives of the zoo’s animals, promote natural
animal behavior, keep animals mentally and physically stimulated and
provide added enjoyment for zoo visitors.
When:
Wednesday,
November 22
Komodo dragon: 10:30 a.m.
Sumatran tiger: 10:50 a.m.
Where:
Enter through Woodland Park Zoo’s ARC near the West Entrance
at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Staff will escort you to the Komodo
dragon and tiger exhibits at Adaptations.
Info:
Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world and highly endangered.
In the wild, a large dragon can kill a deer or a water buffalo
two-three times its weight. Along with powerful claws and teeth,
wild Komodos have saliva that is chock full of bacteria and deadly
to their prey. Their adaptability to survive as the top predator
on only a few exclusive islands in Indonesia æ Komodo, Rinca
and Flores æ and their hunting prowess have evoked both wonder
and awe from throughout the world. Scientists estimate that only
about 3,000-4,000 remain in the wild. The dragon continues to be
threatened by a burgeoning human population, land development and
poaching.
All five tiger subspecies are endangered with only 6,000-8,000 tigers remaining
in the wild. The Sumatran is one of the rarest with only about 400 believed to
exist in the wild. The primary reasons for the decimation of wild tiger populations
are illegal poaching, human overpopulation, and other activities that result
in the destruction and fragmentation of habitat. Tiger bones and other body parts
are used in traditional Asian medicines.
Accredited
by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, award-winning Woodland
Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting
a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education
and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission,
the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state
and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned
cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot
butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland
Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.
