Rare Komodo Dragon Arrives at Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium

LAS VEGAS, NV, Apr 18 (MARKET WIRE) --
With a fearsome reputation, approximately 60 dagger-like, serrated teeth,
deadly saliva and piercing razor-sharp claws, the Komodo Dragon will call Shark
Reef
Aquarium at Mandalay Bay home beginning June 20.

"We are excited to welcome such a rare and endangered predator as the Komodo
Dragon to Shark Reef Aquarium," said Brian Robison, the facility's Executive
Director. "Guests will have the thrilling experience of being within arm's
length to observe the powerful nature of this fascinating creature."

The Komodo Dragon will join an impressive group of animals at Shark Reef
Aquarium, a 90,560-square-foot, predator-based aquarium -- the only one
of its kind in North America.

Having no known predators in the world, the Komodo Dragon is the most deadly
of all lizards. With just one bite, virulent saliva containing about 50 kinds of
bacteriareacts with the prey's blood. Special enzymes in the saliva prevent
blood from
clotting, causing the infection to spread and ultimately leading to the
death of the prey.

Komodo Dragons are immune to the saliva properties of other Komodo
Dragons.After particularly brutal battles, scientists have observed Komodo
Dragons do not
display any ill effect from the saliva-filled bites nor do they demonstrate
life-threatening injuries from the deep claw marks. Because of the unique
properties, their blood and saliva are being studied for use in
anti-coagulation and antibacterial medications.

A relative of the Water Monitor, the Komodo Dragon can reach up to 10 feet
in
length and can weigh up to 200 pounds. With a world population of less than
5,000, the largest and heaviest lizard species lives on the Southeast islands of
Indonesia, including their primary habitat, Komodo Island. As part of the
conservation effort, 75 Komodo Dragons are in human care at zoos and
aquariums throughout North America.

These facilities, including Shark Reef Aquarium, work to ensure the survival
of the species through education, awareness and breeding.

Since its debut in 2000, Shark Reef Aquarium has become a must-see Las
Vegasattraction and educational facility, where adults and children alike can
enjoy
and learn about the more than 2,000 divinely dangerous animals including sharks,
crocodiles, sawfish and piranhas.

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is open daily, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ticket
prices are $15.95 for adults and $10.95 for children; children four and under
are free.

For more information, call (702) 632-4555.

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Media Contact:
Sandy Zanella
MGM MIRAGE Public Relations
(702) 650-7530

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