Dragon of the Day
Flaps the Air Dragon
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Flaps is probably one of our most friendly and playful dragons we have here at Animalia, if not the friendliest and most playful. He is on deck for Dragon Visits, where guests are allowed to visit and interact with our more docile and less dangerous dragons. Flaps is an Air Dragon, one of the basic Elemental Dragons. Air Dragons are one of the most common species of dragon out there, along with the Plant Dragon. They live in the clouds in large groups called "flocks," and are completely unable to come down. Yep, Air Dragons don't have legs and feet, so they can't land anywhere. They are forced to fly for their entire lives. So how do they sleep, you may be wondering? Air Dragons can produce a special kind of breath that creates something called "solid air," which these dragons will lay on to sleep. Eggs and very young dragons incapable of flying ride along on their mothers' backs. A special gap between the dragons' shoulder blades makes sure that their young don't roll out. However baby dragons don't tag along for long. At about three days old their mothers will teach them how to fly-and it only takes about an moment before the dragon can do it. Afterwards the dragon will stay close to its mother well into its Juvenile stage. Air Dragons are revered by many tribes and their feathers are used in tribal ceremonies. They depict freedom and defy the odds with their never tiring wings and never caring to come down to land. Despite their vulnerability and playful natures, nothing much really poses a threat to Air Dragons. Occasionally a young dragon's wings, if they haven't had enough time to grow strong, will collapse and the dragon will plummet to its death and the mother won't be around or won't be able to save it. Fire Dragons occasionally prey on babies. But since Air Dragon flocks are so close, they will usually be able to defend one another from attacks. In captivity, Air Dragons are extremely well behaved and easy to care for. They wouldn't make good pets, but they do make good park experiences for guests.