Celebrate a magical 50th birthday at the zoo

Auckland City Council

Media release

18 September 2009

Celebrate a magical, mythical 50th birthday at the zoo

One of Auckland Zoo’s much-loved and oldest residents, the mythical dragon, turns 50 on Saturday 3 October and you’re invited to celebrate his half century.

To mark the milestone the zoo is giving the dragon an extreme makeover, involving reconstructive surgery and a new paint job.  Details of the new colour will be revealed at the birthday event.

The zoo hopes the revamp will create a backdrop for a new generation of photos with the dragon, which was created over a two-year period by Auckland artist and visionary Cedric Storey - also a grounds man at the zoo during the 1950s and 1960s. The 15-metre dragon has provided an iconic photo spot at the zoo for the past 50 years and created many memories.

“My kids visit the dragon each time they go to the zoo and climb on it and into the eggs.  It's great to see that it is still part of Auckland Zoo and I'm looking forward to seeing it at the unveiling,” explains James Wiltsher who sent in a photo of himself in the dragon in 1974 and his children in the dragon in 2008, and is planning to attend the 3 October unveiling.

“As far as I can remember the dragon has always been something I associated with Auckland Zoo. My kids love it, especially climbing on it. I had told them that I had had my photo taken in the mouth of the dragon when I was small and it would be great for them to do the same. My dad had the photo of me in the dragon’s mouth and showed the kids which they thought was great. When I had my photo taken again in 2008 I'm sure his mouth was smaller and it was definitely more difficult to get into and out of,” says Mr Wiltsher.

Mr Wiltshire’s two generations of photos will join a historic display of photos sent in from all over New Zealand spanning the dragon’s half century at the zoo.

The celebration will also include lessons in how to draw dragons, free face painting, birthday cake, and chance to learn about the dragon’s history.

Event details

Dragons 50th birthday celebration Saturday 3 October, 9.30am – 1pm
Activities between 9.30am and 1pm include the dragon photo and history display, photo opportunities with princesses and the dragon, and dragon drawing sessions for kids
Other activities between 12noon – 1pm include the dragons makeover reveal, prize draw and birthday cake
As part of the school holiday programme (26 September – 11 October) daily shows run at 10.30am and 12noon
Normal zoo admission prices apply
For more information visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz

ENDS