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Location:

Inner Tropics - across from Tigers

Komodo Dragon

  • JoJo (F) ~2013

  • Vanda (F) (09/12/2025) pronounced like panda.

Identifying Features:

  • JoJo has moved to the outdoor exhibit (weather permitting). 

  • Vanda is on exhibit at the indoor Komodo exhibit in the Land of the Dragons.

  • As of Spring 2026, Jojo is about 5 ft long.

History:

  • MacLeod was hatched on Sept 30, 2008 at San Antonio Zoo.  Weighed around 100 lbs. He passed away in November of 2025. 

  • Jojo arrived at Phx Zoo in 2013 from Memphis Zoo

  • Vanda hatched out at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo on September 12th, 2025. Upon arrival, she weighed in at a whopping half a pound and was just over two feet long. 


More Information:


  • Temperature restrictions - Komodo Dragons  won't be outside 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 Komodo Dragons. 

CONSERVATION: Through the Komodo SSP's Conservation Fund, the Phoenix Zoo supports efforts in Indonesia to assess annual changes in population density for wild Komodo dragon populations, estimate prey abundance across different Komodo dragon sites, and provide field training and support to Komodo National Park technical and ranger staff to undertake camera trap monitoring activities.

LEARN MORE HERE: https://komododragon.org/

  • 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

Photo of Vanda upon arrival at the Phoenix Zoo.

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