Specimen 38
Sex: Indeterminate
Species: Chiraranae girtabilus
Size: 8' 4" at the shoulder, 20' 7" in length (including tail)
Weight: ~1400 lbs (this creature is astoundingly light for its size)

In mythology this creature was well-known as a protector of tombs and treasures, which is very apt for the modern specimen's observed behavior--very similar to scorpions. Chiraranae girtabilus is the only known species of semi-humanoid scorpion-like arthropod so far, and was discovered by Cryptozoo operatives in Sudan in the 70s during a research mission. They commonly occupy opened tombs and catacombs, viciously defending them from any intruders larger than bats and ordinary scorpions. They are nocturnal and either patrol their home tunnels and chambers during daytime or rest in small crevices that are hidden from view to unwary humans. Though the girtabilu are pure carnivores they do not appear dangerous during the day when undisturbed--if intruders leave their dens they do not give chase, and if humans enter their burrows and do not attack the creatures a girtabilu is more likely to display aggressively than to sting or bite on first sight. At night, however, girtabilu emerge from the underground and hunt any creature that moves like a relentless, venomous tank. Girtabilu appear to have avoided detection from modern society for so long due to their nocturnal habits, local fear of legends of these creatures as tomb protectors, and their voracious night-time habits eliminating the likelihood of surviving witnesses--or remnants of them--being found.

Little is known about the social habits, family life, or communication capabilities of these animals, though observations of Specimen 38 (nicknamed "Pharaoh" by zoo interns) have shown the creature has a passing interest in interactions with humans. It does not appear to be a social enough animal to be debilitated by lack of contact, however, so solitary confinement appears to be acceptable for girtabilu in the foreseeable future. The current habitat set-up is on the far wall of the Herpetarium, with the viewing window facing inside the building in order for visitors to see the active animal during daytime hours. The majority of the habitat is contained in a fabricated cave chamber with shelves and climbing surfaces on all sides, with a small outdoor area of sand and shrubbery with an elevated feeding platform above in order to lower down prey without zoo employees being at risk. As with all highly dangerous large animals in the zoo, the habitat is screened over with a steel mesh rather than left open.

:D Been a while working on this one! Took a simple sketch and colored it up--these guys are made of awesome, so I decided their badassery should remain. Also, a zoo with a giant scorpion-taur-dude would be the best zoo ever. XD