Auckland City Council
Media release
19 August 2009

Auckland Zoo hunts for dragon history

Auckland Zoo’s much-loved mythical beast, the dragon – slain, befriended and played on by millions of children over the years – is turning 50, and Auckland Zoo is looking for historic photos to mark his half century.

Originally built over a kauri stump by Cedric Storey, the 15-metre dragon has become a zoo icon and a famous photo stop over the years. Whether in his mouth, hanging out on his head, or sitting on one of his spikes, the zoo is looking to display as many photos of visitors with the dragon as possible.

From the modern day digital image to the earlier film and Polaroid pics, all photos are welcome and will be displayed at the zoo’s children’s area, Paddlepop Kidzone, from Saturday 26 September through to Sunday 11 October. All photo entrants will go into the draw to win fantastic prizes, including a behind the scenes zoo tour for six people. Winners will be announced at the dragon’s birthday event on Saturday 3 October.

If you haven’t got a picture of you or your family with the dragon, you still have time before he gets a birthday makeover. The dragon will be off display from Monday 31 August and revealed on Saturday 3 October – ready for a whole new generation of photos and memories.

How to submit photos
• Hand deliver photos into the Zoo during opening hours

• Mail photos to Dragon Photo Competition, Auckland Zoo, Private Bag Grey Lynn, Auckland

• Please submit only copies of photos (not originals, as the zoo is unable to return photos)

• Include names and ages of people in the photo, the year it was taken, and a contact name and phone number

• Last date for entries is Friday 2 October

• Winners will be drawn on 3 October and notified by phone

• Photos will be displayed at Kidzone between 26 September and 11 October

Dragon’s 50th birthday event
• Birthday celebration will be held on Saturday 3 October

• The dragon’s makeover, prize draws and learn about the dragons history between 12noon – 1pm

• Other activities from 11am – 2pm : check out the dragon photo and history display, photo opportunities with princesses and the dragon, and dragon drawing sessions for kids

• Normal zoo admission prices apply

ABOUT AUCKLAND ZOO
Auckland Zoo is an enterprise of Auckland City Council. It is home to the largest collection of native and exotic wildlife species in New Zealand (over 734 animals and 119 species) and attracts over half a million visitors annually. It is becoming increasingly well known nationally and internationally through the award-winning television programme, 'The Zoo'. At the heart of all Auckland Zoo's work and activities is its mission: "to focus the Zoo’s resources to benefit conservation and provide exciting visitor experiences which inspire and empower people to take positive action for wildlife and the environment". Auckland Zoo is a member of both the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks &Aquaria (ARAZPA) and the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA).

ENDS

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