Written by Misty Waddle, with valuable insights from Curator Hannah Baker, whose expertise on the new Komodo dragons and their habitat shaped the foundation of this post. Edited by Joy Matlock, Zoo Development & Marketing Coordinator.
Exciting Komodo Dragon Updates at the Little Rock Zoo!
LITTLE ROCK (October 17, 2024) - In 2024, the Little Rock Zoo announced the arrival of the mighty Komodo dragon, and we're thrilled to share that those plans are well underway! Guests can now visit the Reptile House to see Iroh, a juvenile Komodo dragon, on display. This young dragon is the first of what’s to come, as we continue to work on a permanent habitat for adult Komodo dragons.
(Left) Iroh, our 1-year-old juvenile Komodo dragon currently in the Reptile House. Photo Credit: Hannah Baker (Right) Construction on the new exhibit has begun! Old fixtures are being removed to make way for the new state of the art exhibit. Photo Credit: Karen Caster
About the Dragons
Iroh, our 1-year-old juvenile Komodo dragon, is already showing signs of the impressive size he’ll one day reach. At just 3 feet long and weighing approximately 2.2 pounds, he’s only a fraction of the size of adult male Komodo Dragons. Fully grown males can measure between 8 to 10 feet and weigh up to 200 pounds—making them the largest lizards in the world.
Despite his young age, Iroh is an active climber and explorer. His current exhibit in the Reptile House is designed to mimic his natural environment, with branches and climbing structures that allow him to spend time off the ground, just like young Komodos do in the wild. He’s fed about three times a week with a varied diet that includes quail, rodents, and fish. Puzzle feeders and kongs filled with meat provide enrichment and encourage him to work for his food, one of his favorite activities.
But Iroh is only the beginning of our Komodo story.
A New Home for Dragons: The Upcoming Exhibit
Construction has begun on the new exhibit; old fixtures are being removed including the snake mural that was visible on the outside of the building. Photo Credit: Karen Caster
Construction is now underway on a permanent Komodo dragon habitat that will house adult dragons once completed in Spring 2025. Located on the west side of the historic Reptile House, which was originally constructed as the Monkey House in the 1930s through the WPA program, this new exhibit will breathe new life into an iconic part of the Zoo’s landscape.
The new habitat will feature both indoor and outdoor viewing areas for guests to get an up-close look at Komodo dragons in a spacious and enriched environment. Designed with the dragons' specific needs in mind, the exhibit will include UV-penetrating skylights, small ponds, climbing and basking structures, and special training windows. These features will allow keepers to work with the dragons on essential care activities like shifting between spaces and participating in medical exams—all without direct contact.
Upon completion, the new exhibit will be home to an adult female Komodo dragon, expected to measure between 6 and 8 feet long and weigh up to 160 pounds. Iroh will eventually join her in this expansive habitat once he’s fully grown.
A Historic Transformation: The Reptile House
The transformation of the Reptile House reflects the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to preserving its history while creating cutting-edge spaces for animal care and conservation. Constructed by Silas Owens Sr., this building is an important part of the Zoo’s heritage. The new Komodo dragon exhibit brings modern conservation efforts into this historic setting, blending past and present in a unique way.
Conservation Efforts: The Komodo Species Survival Plan® (SSP)
The arrival of Komodo dragons at the Little Rock Zoo is part of a broader conservation effort through the Komodo Species Survival Plan® (SSP), managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This program focuses on maintaining genetically healthy populations of Komodo dragons in accredited zoos while supporting education, research, and conservation initiatives in the wild.
“We are thrilled to introduce Komodo dragons to the Little Rock Zoo, thanks to the generous support of Hiland Dairy and the Laura P. Nichols Foundation,” said Susan Altrui, Zoo Director. “This initiative highlights our commitment to wildlife preservation and offers visitors the chance to learn more about these incredible animals.”
Come Visit Iroh Today!
While we eagerly await the completion of the new habitat, you can still visit Iroh in the Reptile House and watch him grow! As we continue construction on the Komodo dragon exhibit, we’ll keep you updated on the progress, including the much-anticipated debut of our adult female dragon.
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