CAZA is proud to present the Thomas R. Baines Award for Excellence in Habitat Design and Development (Large Institution) to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada for its groundbreaking exhibit, Dragons: Myths Made Real. This award celebrates innovative habitat design that enhances animal care, inspires learning, and strengthens public connection to wildlife.

Blending Myth and Science to Inspire Curiosity

Dragons: Myths Made Real is an immersive experience that brings the legends of dragons to life through real animals. Visitors meet “living dragons” such as dwarf caimans, monitor lizards, pythons, and geckos. By linking global folklore with scientific facts, the exhibit shows how these species’ remarkable adaptations inspired myths from around the world.

This approach helps visitors appreciate biodiversity while discovering the connections between storytelling, culture, and conservation.

Accessible, Interactive, and Designed for All Visitors

Created in collaboration with Little Rays Nature Centre, the exhibit features:

• Dynamic, naturalistic habitats

• Life-size dragon models

• Clear and engaging educational panels

The exhibit also launched The Phoebe Project, the first initiative to create tactile sculptures for every live species on display. This makes the exhibit more accessible for guests who are blind or have low vision, allowing them to explore the animals’ forms through touch.

Pushing Creative Boundaries in Habitat Design

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada reimagined existing gallery spaces to deliver an immersive and visually striking experience. Highlights include:

• A freshwater caiman habitat complete with a waterfall

• Dramatic thematic elements, including a large dragon sculpture

• Interactive storytelling woven throughout each display

The result is a space that combines scientific accuracy with creative flair, encouraging visitors to explore, learn, and reflect.

Setting a New Standard for Conservation Education

Dragons: Myths Made Real goes beyond exhibit design. It fosters environmental stewardship by helping visitors understand how human cultures have long been shaped by the natural world. Its accessible design ensures that people of all ages and abilities can engage meaningfully with conservation stories.

CAZA congratulates Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada on this outstanding achievement and its leadership in innovative, inclusive habitat design.

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