DRAGONS AMONG US!
Find them at the Vancouver Aquarium

By Molly Sheanh
(click images to enlarge)

The Vancouver Aquarium has a new temporary exhibit which opened on Saturday, February 7. Travel down into the world of ‘Dragons’ and experience reptiles from around the world, including a bearded dragon, a gila monster, and a green tree python.

**Bearded dragon at the Vancouver Aquarium.** (*Molly Sheanh photo)*

“While many are curious and intrigued by mythical dragons, this exhibit showcases real life dragons of the natural world,” said director of animal care Mackenzie Neale. “This exhibit allows guests to engage with creatures and interactive displays along with hands-on learning.”

Daily interactive presentations with the animals are happening two to three times a day at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., giving guests a chance to get up close and personal with these intriguing reptiles.

Education and conservation are the main goals of this exhibit, as well as opening people up to the idea that the term dragons refers to multiple living species in our natural world. ‘Dragons’ gives folks an opportunity to get more familiar with dragons, many of which are endangered, and learn more about the special role they play in ecosystems, as well as highlighting the human impacts that continue to affect their habitat and well-being.

Most of the animals in this exhibit have come to the Vancouver Aquarium through confiscations, donations, or surrenders from people who keep exotic pets.

Full scale sculptures are available outside of the glass habitats for guests to touch and get a sense of their size, and what the texture of their skin and scales feel like. This feature also makes this exhibit more accessible for people with visual impairment, as the animals can sometimes be difficult to spot due to hiding or camouflaging in their environments.

**Bearded dragon sculpture at the Vancouver Aquarium**. *(Molly Sheanh photo)*

The exhibit also features a full size Komodo dragon bust sculpture, the world’s largest living lizard, and while there are certainly no Komodo dragons at the Vancouver Aquarium, it is a good opportunity for guests to compare the range of size and scale that can occur within this group of organisms, while spreading conservation awareness and advocating for all of them.

There are numerous display cases and signage throughout the exhibit in which Dragon mythology, medicine, lore, and fun facts are explored in a creative way; adding a sense of wonder and magic which makes for a well-rounded experience.

Local dragons you may encounter on your next trip through the trails of Stanley Park include natives species like the northwestern garter snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) and the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), and introduced species like the pond slider (Trachemys scripta). Lost Lagoon is a great place to spot turtles basking on a sunken log or stone, or sometimes swimming in the marshier areas.

On your next visit to Stanley Park, invite some living dragons into your life, whether it’s at the Vancouver Aquarium, or out and about in our beautiful urban park.