An Indonesian Christmas Story

(12/23/2006)

What do the yuletide mystery of Immaculate Conception and virgin birth and the wild inhabitants of an island 250 miles east of Bali have in common?

We're not absolutely sure of the connection, but an article that flashed across international news services last week should give pause to all the Ebenezer Scrooge, doubting Thomas, cum-agnostic-nay-sayers among you who discount the miracle foundation of the Christmas story as so much poppycock and religious falderal.

Apparently, scientists have now confirmed that the world's largest lizards – Komodo Dragons - are capable of virgin birth. In fact, carefully documented research published in the prestigious Nature journal now confirms that two female Komodo Dragons living in European zoos both laid fertilized eggs without the aid and assistance of a male dragon.

And just when things couldn't get much worse for those suffering from a sense of masculine inadequacy, the scientists also confirmed that the two girl dragons, named Sungai and Flora, hadn’t been on a "date" for least 2.5 years in the case of Sungai and, in the case of Flora - had never encountered a male of her species.

Darling, I Want to Be Alone

In a process scientist called parthenogenesis, but which every good Catholic kid knows is really Immaculate Conception, these two lady dragons have reproduced asexually.

Parthenogenesis, err, I mean Immaculate Conception, is not completely unknown in the wild kingdom. Its rare occurrence has been recorded among fish populations, amphibians and even turkeys. However, the latest reports of virtually concurrent asexual reproduction among two Komodo dragons is causing experts to re-examine if this phenomenon is more widespread and more frequent than previously thought.

Komodo Dragons, or as they are scientifically known - Varanus komodoensis, are found only on three islands in Indonesia within or surrounding the Komodo National Park. Capable of growing up to 3 meters in length and wighing as much as 250 kilograms, the Dragons are the world's largest lizards and considered rare, living relics of a prehistoric age.

"A miracle is an event that creates faith, That is the purpose and nature of miracles."

- George Bernard Shaw

So, dear Reader, we share this unusual story of miraculous birth among two members of Indonesia's expatriate animal kingdom as a simple Christmas offering from Indonesia for those who time and bitter experience has rendered too jaded to even consider the possibility that over 2,000 years ago a virgin named Mary gave birth to a small boy in Bethlehem whose life is still honored today by both Moslems and Christians.

Wise men adored him . . .Wise men still do!

Merry Christmas 2006!