Large Fierce Mammal

“Map-makers mark the unknown with a giant serpent and the words, “Here Be Dragons”. The unknown becomes the known in this exhibition – because the Dragons are now here…

“Here Be Dragons explores the myth of dragons through culture, literature, folklore, religion, paleontology, history, science, and live animals.

“Their allure is mythic, but they are real and are traced to serpents, dinosaurs, reptiles, and birds. Here Be Dragons exhibit is designed to delight, engage, and inspire young and old alike by making connections between living, breathing dragons and those of fanciful folklore, literature, mythology, and legend. Through interactive exhibits and immersive environments, these approachable creatures will spark creativity and imagination while serving as an informal learning environment for the husbandry and conservation of all types of dragons and related species.

“A variety of species from around the world are included in this comprehensive exhibit. The history and folklore of cultures—medieval, Asian, and ancient—are represented and fully explored alongside the animals providing context for the exhibition ….” ~ Museum of Natural History

No sooner had we received notification of the “Here Be Dragons” exhibit late last year than an LFM Family expedition became a sure thing — one that came to fruition just last week. Located in the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Museum is a place we go at least annually, and it’s always a delightful adventure. During last year’s visit, SFM#1 Viktor met 90 year old Gopher Tortoise Gus, at which time Gus bestowed upon him the rare honour of a hand full of Tortoise poop, thus granting #1 Son with bragging rights that will no doubt serve him well throughout the rest of his own, most certainly, long life.

Viktor was watching me trimming my beard on the morning of, when I told him where we were going. Hearing of Dragons his excitement over-torqued into the red zone, sending him off at speed to regale his incomparable Mother with the news. Shortly afterward, he returned with furrowed brow to say, “Daddy … they’re not real Dragons … they’re just sculptures, right?”

I assured him that there would be sculptured Dragons, but Dad and Mum were quite ready, willing, and able to deal with any real ones that might appear.

With a huge grin and a resounding, “Yay!”, he was off to be dressed for the jaunt.

What follows is a pictorial essay of the day’s treasures. Clicking on a picture will enlarge it for better viewing.

The incomparable Mrs. LFM employs sheer force of will to temporarily restrain SFM#1 Viktor and SFM#2 Lukas at the portal to the Dragon’s lair. You will note that while she is doing me the honour of looking at the camera, their eyes are on the prize! (LFM photo)

Mother and sons examine a tiny fragment of a Dragon’s hoard while its guardian behaves itself in the face of Daddy’s strong overwatch position. Look but don’t touch motherf….  (LFM photo)

The first of many beautiful denizens of the lair. (LFM photo)

Boy, meet Lizard. Lizard, meet boy. (LFM photo)

While I’ve had my share of tail through the years, if I had an actual physical one, I’d want it to be like his. (LFM photo)

No LFM field trip is complete without siege artillery. Viktor locks and loads! (LFM photo)

Mrs. LFM and Lukas sight in on the target. Fire in the hole! (LFM photo)

The day wasn’t entirely about Dragons. There were the permanent exhibits too. As the saying goes, some days you get the Bear, and some days the Bear gets you. (LFM photo)

There was Moose, but in the moment, no Squirrel. (LFM photo)

Worry not my Son my Son, you’ll learn to hunt before I’m done. (LFM photo)

White Tailed Deer in the other half of the Moose/Deer tableau. (LFM photo)

Ever observant Mrs. LFM guides her protohunters in spotting other smaller animals in the scrub. (LFM photo)

Moving on to more oceanic matters, Viktor discovers the skeleton of a Whale. (LFM photo)

Here we see two vertebrates; one cartilaginous, the other not. (LFM photo)

In the real world of bottom feeders, not a lawyer in sight. (LFM photo)

If Puffins had surnames, most would be called “Cliff”. Not unlike the Nova Scotian village of Pubnico where addressing any random bloke encountered in the street, “Monsiuer D’Entrement?” would have a 99% likelihood of receiving the reply, “Oui?”(LFM photo)

I’ll close with this shot of the Horse skeleton on its rotating display pedestal. No better way to ride off into the sunset. (LFM photo)

The “Here be Dragons” exhibit is on until 9 April 2017, so you’ve still time to take it in.