Dragons coming to Ripley’s Aquarium, as Toronto aquarium prepares to host 1st exhibit in 4 years
Published August 22, 2024 at 9:00 am
If you noticed things looked a little different at Ripley’s Aquarium recently, you might be excited to hear that the popular hotspot has been steadily preparing to become a “House of the Dragons.”
The aquarium recently announced plans to open its first exhibit in four years, and this one–aptly titled Dragons–pledges to bring “legendary beasts from ancient lore to life in a way never seen before.”
According to the aquarium’s website, the new exhibit will feature the real-life counterparts of mythical beasts, along with models and immersive activities.
Some of the dragon-esque creatures set to call the facility home include the Kimberly rock monitor, the Gila monster (the only venomous lizard in the U.S.), the green-crested basilisk (a prehistoric-looking lizard that can run on water), the green tree python (known for its diamond-shaped head), the siren (a long aquatic amphibian), and more.
On its website, Ripley’s says attendees can learn how real reptiles and amphibians have inspired dragon myths worldwide.
“You’ll discover how the green tree python’s majestic movements echo tales of sky serpents, while the gila monster’s fearsome reputation parallels stories of fire-breathing beasts. The crocodile skink, with its fierce demeanor, might even make you believe you’ve stumbled upon a dragon’s lair,” the website reads.
The site says the interactive displays will invite visitors to interact with tactile models of the animals in the exhibit, allowing them to touch the creatures without, well, actually touching them.
The exhibit officially opens to the public on Sept. 5 and is included in the price of a general admission ticket.