Baby Zorak's Final Evolution

If you have ever peeked at our menagerie of creatures, you probably experienced the privilege of gazing upon the MANTISES. Our largest mantis, who we argue, may be the largest in all of Portland (come prove us wrong) is named Baby Zorak. She is a gorgeous Giant Asian Mantis, a species known for their massive size and docile personalities.

Baby Zorak never ceases to prove herself as one of the most ravenous predators in the bug world. Last fall, we were preparing pumpkins for painting when—bzzzzzzzzzzzz...bzzzzzzzz..bzzzzz—a house fly flew by and landed on the stem of a pumpkin. Possibly the worst decision in this fly's life, but who are we to judge? Baby Zorak, the helpful insect she is, wrangled the moment and snatched the fly, straight out of the air!

Here she is, feasting on her lunch (or maybe buffet?)

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/8f1247_dc7bba95eeae45ab8c80eebeaffaf8f5/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Whether she is faced with a mealworm, dubia, or house fly, Baby Zorak is the fiercest in the museum, and her most recent shed evolved her into her final form: a winged predator! They do say you are what you eat, right?

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/8f1247_1c3276d830004945b3060c0eb50cf503/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Unfortunately, her wings are more for show than function. Due to her size, Baby Zorak will not be flying around the museum, and we should be grateful for that. This final shed also means that Baby Zorak will remain in her current, giant size for the rest of her lifespan. Long story short, come see Baby Zorak and her beautiful new wings!