Press Release
Fla. Museum works with St. Augustine Alligator Farm to develop new Komodo dragon exhibit, opening Sunday
May 16, 2008
Media contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Caroline Glagola
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- A new live Komodo dragon exhibit designed in part by the Florida Museum of Natural History is scheduled to open Sunday at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
Florida Museum sculptors Jeff Huber and Bob Leavy worked six months with St. Augustine Alligator Farm staff to design, sculpt and paint features of the 5,100-square-foot outdoor enclosure that will be home to "Krakatoa," a 7-year-old Komodo dragon who is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Program.
"This has been a perfect opportunity to assist in the construction of a compelling, educational exhibit with an organization that seeks to conserve rare and endangered reptiles from around the globe," said Doug Noble, Florida Museum head of exhibits and public programs.
Elements of the enclosure, including sculpted tree stumps, a water feature and live plants are similar to the animal's natural habitat.
During construction, the Florida Museum was one of many University of Florida organizations affected by a $47 million budget cut for the coming fiscal year, in addition to budget call backs this year.
"The Museum is reeling from two consecutive years of state budget cuts," Noble said. "We have to become more entrepreneurial and the chance to provide a service to the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine while generating badly needed dollars for the Museum was an opportunity that couldn't be missed."
For more information about the exhibit, call the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, (904) 824-3337, or visit www.alligatorfarm.us.
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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $8.50 for adults ($7.50 Fla. residents) and $4.50 for children ages 3-12. Prices subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, call (352) 846-2000, or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu.