INTO THE DRAGONS’ DEN
Shruikan, one of two Komodo dragons on display at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, will soon be heading to his home at the Calgary Zoo along with Thorn. Area residents have until Feb. 15 to see them.
Time is ticking for anyone who hasn’t yet had a chance to see the real life dragons residing at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
Komodo dragons Thorn and Shruikan, who made their debut at the zoo at the beginning of April 2017, are set to return to their home at the Calgary Zoo next month.
Zoo manager Tim Sinclair-Smith said the Komodos played a big role in last year’s record-breaking attendance numbers and were a hit with both kids and adults.
“The kids loved them, and the big kids too, we saw a lot of big kids — they know who they are out there,” he said, laughing. “I spoke to a lot of people at the exhibit and I can tell you some of the parents were, at stages, more excited than the kids. That’s the great thing about being able to bring something like this to the public, there’s a lot of people who would never see Komodos if we hadn’t have brought them here.”
During their time at the Forestry Farm, both dragons went through quite a growth spurt. Thorn initially weighed in at 21.4 kg and Shruikan at 23.25 kg. Thorn managed to outgrow Shruikan within the year, now tipping the scales at 32.25 kg while Shruikan is at 31 kg. Sinclair-Smith said they still have a lot of growing left to do when they return to their home in Calgary.
He confirmed a new animal will take over for Thorn and Shruikan on April 1 as the zoo gears up for
That’s the great thing about being able to bring something like this … there’s a lot of people who would never see Komodos if we hadn’t have brought them.
the summer season, but he has remained tight-lipped on which “exciting new species” will take their place.
The last day to see the Komodo Dragon Island Exhibit before it closes is Feb. 15.