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Location:

Inner Tropics - across from Tigers

Komodo Dragon

  • MacLeod (M) 9/30/2008 

  • JoJo (F)

Identifying Features:

  • MacLeod is much larger and he is in the main yard. 

  • JoJo is smaller and lives in the indoor exhibit.

History:

  • MacLeod was hatched on Sept 30, 2008 at San Antonio Zoo.  Weighs around 100 lbs.

  • Jojo arrived at Phx Zoo in 2013 from Memphis Zoo

More Information:

  • MacLeod has a genetic anomaly in which he does not appear to have full use of his tongue and does not tongue-flick, however has been observed still using it. He can smell a general area where his food may be, but does not appear to be able to pinpoint a specific area. Take special consideration when offering him enrichment. Otherwise, it does not affect his quality of life. Related siblings have the same abnormality. His genetics are well represented in captivity.

  • Temperature restrictions - MacLeod  won't be out on exhibit if temperatures are too cold or too hot (over 110 degrees). If it's 60-65 degrees and overcast, it's too cold for MacLeod.

  • Can reach speeds of 10-13 mph

  • Can consume 5 lbs of meat in one minute / 80% of weight in one meal

  • Males will combat during the breeding season

  • Not enough is know about Komodo Dragons and how they kill. There has been suggestion that they have venom, but studies are inconclusive. Also possible that prey suffer bacterial infection. But significant trauma alone is often enough to kill prey.

  • Komodo dragons can swim between islands

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