Dragon letter sparks CSIRO apology
A Queensland girl's letter to the CSIRO has prompted the organisation to apologise over a lack of research into dragons.
Seven-year-old Sophie Lester asked the 'lovely scientists' at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation if they could make a dragon for her.
In the adorable letter, published on the CSIRO website on Monday, Sophie explains she would call the dragon either Toothless or Stuart, depending on its sex.
Melissah Lester said her daughter, Sophie had asked for a dragon for Christmas.
"Her dad sat her down and said we couldn't get her one. But he suggested why don't we write and see if someone can get you one? And she said, 'What about a scientist?'" she told Fairfax.
The Lester family had hoped for a reply letter, but the CSIRO had a different idea.
"We’ve been doing science since 1926 and we’re quite proud of what we have achieved. We’ve put polymer banknotes in your wallet, insect repellent on your limbs and Wi-Fi in your devices. But we’ve missed something," the CSIRO website said.
"Over the past 87 odd years we have not been able to create a dragon or dragon eggs. We have sighted an eastern bearded dragon at one of our telescopes, observed dragonflies and even measured body temperatures of the mallee dragon.
"But our work has never ventured into dragons of the mythical, fire breathing variety.
"And for this Australia, we are sorry."
