Dragons Reign!

Click here to Meet The Dragons!

2024 will truly be “the year of the dragon” at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo when, awoken from April’s solar eclipse, dragons descended on the zoo and begin their reign.

Dragons Reign! brings massive, animatronic dragons to the zoo from Memorial Weekend through Halloween. Zoo guests will encounter 10 magnificent “species” of dragon on exhibit as they explore the zoo. The dragon installations vary in size from five to 20 feet tall.

Some of the dragons are inspired by different cultures or regions; a Chinese Dragon pays homage to the Zodiac calendar, a pterodactyl-like species called a Quetzalcoatl references the feathered-serpent god of Mesoamerican mythos and folklore, and a Manticore dragon draws on Persian legends. A Wyvern represents the monsters of Anglo-French folklore, while the Western Dragon epitomizes the iconic, classic dragon prominent in Western media.

The Dragons Reign! exhibit is free with paid zoo admission; zoo members receive free admission. Those who plan to be frequent visitors to the zoo during the reign of the dragons are encouraged to purchase a zoo membership here.

Click here to Meet The Dragons!

Dragon Sensory Hours: The dragons will be "taking a nap" from 2 to 4:30 p.m. daily until their departure in October so guests can enjoy the dragons without them moving or making noises. Exceptions for special event days will be listed here.