Upon its discovery in 1912, the Komodo dragon became an animal that zoos and natural history museums around the world desired. Found only on a few small islands in Eastern Indonesia, scientists, adventurers and publicity seekers mounted expeditions to capture this magnificent creature, in a land that was publicized as a 'lost world' of dinosaurs.This fascinating talk will focus on the wildlife trade in Singapore, Malaya and Indonesia before World War II, featuring a range of interesting personalities from Frank Buck and Lady Clementine Churchill to King Kong, and how their adventures in Southeast Asia led to reforms in how animals are captured in the region, as well as the creation of wildlife reserves.
Admission is free. All are welcome.
Registration is required. Please email nhb_nm_lectures@nhb.gov.sg with your name and email address.
Speaker’s Profile
Timothy P. Barnard is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the National University of Singapore. His main area of research is on the cultural and environmental history of Southeast Asia, with particular attention to the Malay world. He has published a number of articles and book chapters on Malay film in Singapore, and is currently working on a book on the history of the Komodo Dragon.
More details on the National Museum of Singapore website.
Time: 7pm
Venue: National Museum of Singapore, The Salon, Level 1
Website: http://nationalmuseum.sg/
