PHOENIX – The Phoenix Zoo’s largest animal exhibit in recent years opened on Wednesday, November 11.
Two full-grown Komodo dragons are now on display at the highly anticipated “Land of the Dragons” exhibit.
"Land of the Dragons will offer our guests an up-close, eye-opening experience with an uncommon animal," said Bert Castro, CEO/President of the Phoenix Zoo. "No other zoo in the nation highlights the Komodo dragon quite like this exhibit. It's part of the Phoenix Zoo's commitment to bringing modern, interactive experiences to our guests."
Phoenix’s hot, arid climate and occasional monsoons provide a perfect adapted home for Komodo dragons, who originate from the islands of Indonesia.
The outdoor portion of the exhibit will include two large windows for guests to see the animals from various vantage points. Heated rocks next to the windows will lure the Komodo dragons to allow for up-close viewing.
On hot days, the animals can swim in a 7,000 gallon pool, and on days when the temperature is below 65 degrees, they can stay in their indoor "bedrooms," complete with additional viewing windows.
These indoor areas will also act as nurseries should we have any offspring.
Gaia, the 15-year-old female dragon, has previously produced offspring by parthenogenesis, a process whereby the eggs are never fertilized by a male, but instead duplicate the genetics of the mother.
Gaia was the first Komodo dragon documented to reproduce by parthenogenisis in North America.
She comes to the Phoenix Zoo from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. She measures approximately seven feet long and weighs 74 pounds.
Ivan, the male dragon, is also 15 years old. He is approximately eight feet long and weighs 117 pounds.
Ivan previously lived at the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida. He has never been housed with another Komodo dragon, but the Phoenix Zoo keepers are eager to train him for husbandry.
"We are fortunate to have the opportunity to observe and learn about these fascinating animals," said Dan Subaitis, Director of Animal Management. "They are becoming increasingly rare, numbering fewer than 5,000 in the wild. With no natural enemies, the biggest threat to the species in the wild is human encroachment on their territory."
The carnivorous Komodo dragon is an excellent hunter, with a keen sense of hearing and smell. It has powerful claws, sharp teeth and a lethal bite.
Adult Komodo dragons can eat up to 80 percent of their own body weight in one sitting.
In their natural habitat, Sunda deer provide a main staple of food, but poaching of these deer has led to severely decreased numbers for the Komodo dragon.
"Being able to house this endangered species at the Phoenix Zoo is an honor," says Castro. "We celebrate this privilege and hope our guests come away with a newfound respect for the Komodo dragon."
For more information about Komodo dragons you can visit
Land of the Dragons.
