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Komodo dragon takes center stage at Shark Reef
By Len Butcher
Shark Reef Tunnel
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In keeping with last week's theme of what to do with your kids during their summer break, why not combine entertainment with a learning experience and some good old-fashioned scary stuff thrown in for good measure?
You'll find it all at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
Shark Reef, I must admit, is one of my favorite attractions, a place that is both interesting and educational and where you can learn about the more than 2,000 dangerous animals including sharks, crocodiles, sawfish and piranhas.
And now you can come face-to-face with the deadly and almost legendary Komodo Dragon, but beware of its approximately 60 dagger-like, serrated teeth, deadly saliva and piercing razor-sharp claws. Just kidding, as you are well protected from coming into direct content with this deadly predator.
I expect the Komodo Dragon will be a huge draw, as are all the other residents at Shark Reef. If you don't know much about the Komodo Dragon, the good folks at Shark Reef gave me a lesson, which I will pass on to you. First of all, it has no known predators in the world, that in itself tells you something about it.
But it can wreak havoc on its prey. With just one bite, virulent saliva containing about 50 kinds of bacteria reacts with the prey's blood. Special enzymes in the saliva prevent blood from clotting, causing the infection to spread and ultimately leading to the death of the prey -- that means you.
What is interesting is that Komodo Dragons are immune to the saliva properties of other Komodo Dragons. After particularly brutal battles, scientists have observed, Komodo Dragons do not display any ill effect from the saliva-filled bites nor do they demonstrate life-threatening injuries from the deep claw marks. Because of the unique properties, their blood and saliva are being studied for use in anti-coagulation and antibacterial medications.
The Komodo Dragon can reach up to 10 feet in length and can weigh up to 200 pounds. With a world population of less than 5,000, the largest and heaviest lizard species lives on the Southeast islands of Indonesia, including their primary habitat, Komodo Island. As part of the conservation effort, 75 Komodo Dragons are in human care at zoos and aquariums throughout North America.
This is a must-see for both adults and families. The aquarium is open daily, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket are $15.95 for adults and $10.95 for children; children 4 and under are free. For more information, call (702) 632-4555.
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