Snakes and reptiles

Devon and I periodically take classes at the Minnesota Zoo. Last week, we had a great time at a snakes and reptiles class. The highlight for Devon was getting to feed the Komodo dragon - a quail and some rats. He also was excited to touch a snake and a bearded dragon.

Snake petting - obviously

Feeding the Komodo dragon

The highlight for me was watching Devon in the class. He was so engaged and interested, and asked great questions, some spontaneous and some that he'd prepped in advance (why doesn't the Komodo dragon move very much? why is it called a dragon? does it have any predators?). He brought a note pad, and respectfully asked the instructor if it was OK if he took notes. This is what he recorded:

(Translation: Komodo dragon, reptile, lizard, leather[y skin], eggs, hibernate, 2 predators, slither, smooth skin, bird, dragon, and blood launcher (inspired by a toad that can drip blood from its eyes to scare predators)

As a side note, the day before the class was "crazy hair day" at school and Devon tried to continue it for a second day. He doesn't usually look so shaggy.