Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Brochures Summer & Camp 2018 | Page 74

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Creature Feature: Shrimp
Meet Shrimp, the Komodo dragon!
Arguably the world’s largest living lizard, the Komodo dragon, Varanus
komodoensis, has a natural history steeped in myth and folklore. Males can reach
three meters in length nose-to-tail and weigh up to 90 kilograms, while females
seldom exceed two meters in size and 50 kilograms in weight.
Komodo dragons are primarily located on the Indonesian islands of Komodo,
Rinca, and the western half of Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands, but occasionally
turn up on small islets including Padar and Gili Motang.
These apex predators are active foragers traveling up to two kilometers daily in
search of live prey or carrion - primarily deer, wild boar, and buffalo. With their keen
sense of smell, they can detect prey from as far away as 10 kilometers in ideal
conditions. Once in its grip, their prey is dispatched swiftly by the lizard’s curved,
serrated teeth and strong, sharp claws.
“Shrimp” got her name because of her diminutive size as she is slightly smaller than average for an adult female. She
joined the many residents of the WDC in October 2017. A special exhibit including special lighting and heating with
optimal space for exercise was built to accommodate her. The WDC hopes to build a summer outdoor cage for her as
funds become available.
If you are interested in helping support Shrimp with a tax deductible donation, we welcome your check payable to
the “Wildlife Discovery Center,” sent to 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest 60045. Just note “Komodo Dragon” on the
check so that we know it’s for her!
Wildlife Discovery Classes
SATURDAY ZOOKEEPER (9-14Y)
Since 1997, this program has provided opportunities for children to learn the complexities of caring for animals in captivity as well as
putting those skills to use. Children learn proper handling, care and feeding, and biology of many animals as well as other aspects of
captive animal management. One off-site field trip broadens their learning experience. Older students have an opportunity to develop
their leadership skills while mentoring younger participants.
Location:
Instructor:
Notes:
Southeast Classroom, Wildlife Discovery Center
Instructed by Wildlife Discovery Center Staff
Space is limited to allow for maximum interaction.
CODE DAYS DATES TIME R/NR
30940101-01 Sa Jun 16 - Jul 21 9:00 am - 10:30 am $293/$352
FAMILY FUN CAMP OUT (ALL AGES)
Bring the family down to Forest Park Beach for a night of camping. Pitch a tent and get ready for an evening of family fun! The Wildlife
Discovery Staff will host a reptile show and local astronomers will teach participants how to use telescopes (provided) to observe the
night sky. Watch a movie in the pavilion or enjoy the campfire. Saturday night and Sunday morning meals will be catered. This is the
only night of the year that camping is allowed on the Lake Forest Beach so, don’t miss out on this unique family bonding experience!
Location:
Notes:
56
Forest Park Beach - North Pavilion
Price is for a group of up to 5 participants. Each additional participant in the group is $50.
CODE DAYS DATES TIME R/NR
30390101-01 Sa, Su Sep 29 - Sep 30 5:00 pm - 8:00 am $330/$396
www.LF Pa r ks a n dRec .co m