Farewell Sharon Stone

https://x.com/i/status/1861517286969893371

Komodo dragon?

ChatGPT

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the largest living species of lizard, native to a few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. These massive reptiles are fascinating for their size, hunting techniques, and ecological role. Here's a quick rundown:

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Adult males can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weigh over 150 pounds (70 kilograms).

• Appearance: They have robust bodies, long tails, powerful legs, and rough, scaly skin.

• Coloration: Typically grayish-brown, but juveniles are often brightly patterned.

Behavior and Hunting

• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and sometimes carrion. They are apex predators in their habitats.

• Hunting Technique: They use their strong jaws, sharp teeth, and claws to subdue prey. Their saliva contains venom that inhibits blood clotting and lowers blood pressure, contributing to prey immobilization.

Reproduction

• Mating Season: Occurs between May and August, with eggs laid in September.

• Eggs: Females lay about 20 eggs in burrows, which hatch after an incubation period of 7-8 months.

• Parthenogenesis: Komodo dragons can reproduce asexually if no males are available, a rare phenomenon in vertebrates.

Habitat

• Found in dry, tropical savannas, deciduous monsoon forests, and coastal areas on their native islands.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Listing: Vulnerable. Their populations are threatened by habitat loss, human activities, and climate change.

• Protection: Conservation efforts include national parks like Komodo National Park and international breeding programs.

If you have specific questions about them, let me know!

What happened with Sharon Stone and the Komodo?

ChatGPT

Sharon Stone had a notable and dramatic encounter with a Komodo dragon in 2001. The incident occurred while she was visiting the Los Angeles Zoo with her then-husband, Phil Bronstein, the editor of the San Francisco Chronicle. Here's what happened:

The Incident

• Private Tour: Stone arranged for Bronstein to have a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo as a surprise gift, as he was a fan of Komodo dragons.

• Interaction with the Dragon: During the visit, a zoo employee allowed Bronstein into the enclosure with a Komodo dragon. He was barefoot, as the zoo staff advised removing shoes to prevent triggering the dragon's hunting instincts (they might mistake white sneakers for prey).

• The Attack: The Komodo dragon suddenly bit Bronstein on the foot, causing severe injuries. Its powerful jaws crushed the bones and tore the tendons in his foot.

• Escape and Treatment: Bronstein managed to free himself with the help of the zoo staff, who promptly called for medical assistance. He underwent extensive surgery to repair the damage.

Aftermath

• Phil Bronstein's Recovery: He recovered after the surgery but reportedly dealt with a long and painful healing process.

• Sharon Stone's Reaction: Stone was deeply shaken by the incident but remained supportive of Bronstein throughout his recovery. The story gained significant media attention, adding to her celebrity intrigue.

The Komodo dragon’s attack highlighted the risks of close interactions with these powerful and wild animals, even in controlled environments like zoos.