No fire in this dragons’ den

It may be home to more than 300 different species, but the award-winning Oceanarium in Bournemouth has never been home to a water dragon … until now.

Like buses that never appear, until three turn up at once, the visitor attraction celebrated the arrival on 20 February of not just one, but three water dragons.

In preparation for the new species, staff at the Oceanarium have created a display in its reptile sanctuary, which resembles the exotic climes the water dragons would enjoy in their native home of south-east Asia.

With branches hanging over a pool of water, a humidifying daily spray system and a constant temperature of 30 degrees, the reptiles’ new home resembles a scene from a perfect summer holiday, with days spent relaxing by the pool, basking in the sun.

Oliver Buttling, Group Curator of the Oceanarium, Bournemouth, said: “The arrival of the water dragons is very exciting and this is definitely a first for the Oceanarium. Reflecting every shade of green, the water dragons are roughly 20 centimetres long with big yellow eyes. The display we have spent time creating mimics the natural tropical habitat the reptiles are accustomed to, which we hope they will explore, enjoy and embrace as their new home.”   

For further information about the Oceanarium please call 01202 311993.  Mention you saw this article on mags4dorset.co.uk