A Letter from Mr. Komodo Dragon

Dear Overseas Indonesian,

Greetings from Toronto Zoo.

My name is Mr. Komodo Dragon. 

I am originally from Pulau Komodo in Nusa Tenggara Timur. 

Now I live in Toronto Zoo. 

Staying overseas doesn't change my love to Indonesia.

I still miss Indonesia, the emerald of equator!

Now let me tell you more about myself. 

I am10 feet in length and 300 lbs in weight. 

I have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, 

bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.My tongue is fork shaped. 

It helps me to detect the smell of dead animals which are my favorite food.

Back when I live in my natural habitat, 

due to my carcass eating habit, my saliva is toxic, 

full of bacteria which can easily give some infection to my prey. 

Beside that I also possess, venom glands in my lower jaw. 

Once I bit an animal or human (please beware dear readers), 

my venom will make my prey lost much blood and lower its (his/ her) blood pressure.

When I glance at my reflection in the water, 

I think I’m kinda look like Godzilla minus the spiky spine. 

You may find me hideous. I don't always look like that. . 

Actually when I was newly hatched 

( took me 8 months to be hatched )

I looked kinda cute. My cuteness and small size, 

make me vulnerable to the predators. 

So for the first two years I lived on the trees. 

My baby food  was insects, birds, and eggs. 

Enough about myself now, I don't want to make you bored. 

If you happen to be in Toronto area, come and visit me! 

It would be nice to meet overseas Indonesians. 

I would like to hear about yourself too. 

It always nice to get to know others. 

Have to go now, snack time for me. 

From your fellow Indonesian,

Mr Komodo Dragon 

(picture and text by Tirsa Tanaraga)