Whoa!

We were wandering around the amphibians and reptile house at the San Diego zoo when I caught some large movement out of the corner of my eye. Seeing this monster stalking into a cinder block viewing tunnel had me whisper-shouting to Brian and the kids ahead of me to: Get. Over. Here! I grabbed my camera (which is dying) and snapped two quick shots before he freaked out at us freaking out at him and started stalking backwards out of his tunnel. If you look closely into the reflection you'll see me, camera in hand leaning forward, Roland's head just in view and the coolest part, Brian and Aria with the EXACT same expression of excitement and awe. Then Aria bolted. Between the massive claws (yikes) and irritate tongue, that was close enough for her! 

The second shot shows Aria gone, Brian and Roland still braving the beast, the tongue and a good profile of the back claws. There's a reason this giant lizard can be traced back 3 million years - he's one awesome komodo dragon person! Eeks! And of course, Roland wanted one. Should fit in nicely with the shark tank and the otter enclosure.