This summer, Milwaukee families can get up close to an enchanting mythical world at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
The Zoo’s 2022 summer exhibit, Dragon Kingdom, runs May 28-Sept. 5, 2022, and is sponsored by Sendik’s Food Market.
Dragon Kingdom is open daily, located outside behind the Small Mammals building. The cost is $3.00
Families will encounter more than 15 impressive animatronic creatures found in cultures throughout the world.
Meet dragons that can breathe with fire, soar with wings, and mirror characteristics of enormous lizards and snakes.
Ranging in size from 10 to 40 feet, the dragons’ wildlife features connect their existence to endangered animals on the brink of extinction today.
Visitors can compare their physical attributes to learn the similarities and make connections between animals of the natural world and mythical creatures.
Buy Zoo Tickets Here.
DRAGONS FEATURED:
KHOLODNO – ARCTIC DRAGON
With a nod to the Arctic animals of conservation, the “Ice” dragon’s name, Kholodno, means “cold” in Russian.
The Arctic dragon has attributes of narwhals, snowy owls and caribou, and starts its life as a snake, only turning into a dragon with age. It’s known as a master of weather and water.
ZHENZHU – CHINESE DRAGON
Long popular in cultures around the world, these dragons were thought to bring good fortune and are often found clutching a pearl symbolizing their association of controlling the elements, particularly water, rainfall, typhoons and floods. Its animal comparisons include oxen, eagles and tigers.
CARRIZOA — NINKI NANKA
A dragon in African folklore, the Ninki Nanka is said to be a 30-foot-long beast that dwells in the swampland of West Africa. It’s said to have large scales, the neck of a giraffe and three horns atop its delicate-looking head. Though it doesn’t have wings to fly, it’s very fast on land and in water. Its animal comparisons include pangolin, giraffe and crocodile.
ADIRA – MANTICORE
This medium-sized man-eater originates in Persian mythology. It’s said to have a lion’s body and a face reminiscent of a man’s, with rows upon rows of large, sharp teeth. The tail either ends in a scorpion’s sting or porcupine quills. It can also shoot its quills like arrows. The only animal the manticore cannot kill is the elephant. Its animal comparisons include lion, hyena and porcupine.
Buy Zoo Tickets Here.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The word “dragon” is derived from the Greek and Roman “drakon” and “draco,” words used to describe a huge snake.
Artifacts depicting dragons of one type or another have been found as early as the fourth millennium B.C.
The myth of the dragon came about from the discovery of dinosaur or prehistoric megafauna remains in ancient times.
Buy Zoo Tickets Here.
Visit milwaukeezoo.org for more information.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
