Step into a world where legends breathe, scales shimmer, and ancient tales unfold, not in a storybook, but in a brand-new, real-life exhibit at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies!
Introducing Dragons , a mesmerizing journey that blurs the line between fantasy and nature, inviting guests to discover the animals that inspired the world’s most captivating myths.
Meet the Legends
Whether you're a fantasy fan or a wildlife lover, Dragons takes you beyond the pages of folklore and into the habitats of real-life creatures with legendary flair. This is where myth meets reality, and it’s anything but ordinary.
Kimberley Rock Monitor
From the rugged terrain of northern Australia, this agile lizard scrambles across rocky landscapes with such speed and grace that it almost appears airborne.
With its striking appearance and nimble movements, it evokes the soaring dragons of myth and legend.
Gila Monster
Though it doesn’t breathe fire, the Gila Monster’s appearance and venomous bite echo stories of legendary beasts. Its venom even has healing potential, aiding in diabetes treatment and memory enhancement.
Like dragons guarding hidden treasures, these reclusive creatures spend much of their lives in secretive underground lairs.
Green Crested Basilisk
Nicknamed the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” this reptile defies gravity as it runs across the surface of water.
It's not magic or myth, though; it is due to a combination of rapid movement and the creation of air pockets beneath its feet, allowing the green crested basilisk stay on the water's surface for brief distances
Green Tree Python
This vibrant green serpent glides through treetops with an elegance that calls to mind ancient stories of sky serpents.
Its smooth coils and diamond-shaped head are as mesmerizing as they are mysterious.
Siren
With feathery gills and serpent-like bodies, these aquatic marvels resemble the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl and celestial dragons of East Asia.
Their beauty and silent movement through water make them seem almost otherworldly.
And Much More!...
Hands-On Myth and Magic
See how some of our incredible aquarium creatures have inspired dragon myths around the world.
Discover how the green tree python’s majestic movements echo tales of sky serpents, how the Gila Monster’s fierce reputation parallels stories of fire-breathing beasts, and how the crocodile skink, with its scaly armor, might convince you that dragons still roam the earth.
Experience immersive interactive displays featuring detailed, tactile models of our reptilian stars.
Feel the texture of their scales, trace the curve of their tails, and get a closer look at what makes each animal truly legendary. These hands-on exhibits are sure to bring myths to life.
And There’s More to Discover…
Dragons offers an unforgettable journey through the stories and species that have captured human imagination for centuries. Whether you’re drawn to the science or the legend, this exhibit will ignite your curiosity. Get your tickets today!