The Bronx Zoo is home to a remarkable collection of Komodo dragons, the world’s largest living species of lizard. These impressive reptiles can grow up to nine feet in length and weigh up to 360 pounds, making them a truly awe-inspiring sight for visitors to the zoo.
Facts and Figures
- Komodo dragons are the world’s largest living species of lizard, with adult males reaching up to nine feet in length and weighing up to 360 pounds.
- These reptiles are known for their toxic saliva, which contains harmful bacteria that helps them take down large prey.
- The Bronx Zoo is home to a number of Komodo dragons, and has had success breeding this species, with six hatchlings born in November 2021.
Exhibit Information
The Komodo dragon exhibit at the Bronx Zoo is located in the Zoo Center, which is open year-round. Visitors can see the Komodo dragons, as well as other reptiles and animals, at this exhibit.
Location
The Komodo dragon exhibit is located in the Zoo Center at the Bronx Zoo.
Hours
The Zoo Center, and the Komodo dragon exhibit, is open year-round. Please note that the last entry to this exhibit is 30 minutes prior to park closing.
Admission
Admission to the Zoo Center, and the Komodo dragon exhibit, is included with all tickets to the Bronx Zoo.
Accessibility
The Zoo Center is wheelchair accessible. For more information about accessibility at the Bronx Zoo, please visit the zoo’s website.
Wild Encounters
In addition to the Komodo dragon exhibit, the Bronx Zoo also offers a Wild Encounter experience, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with their favorite animals, including the Komodo dragons.
Other Reptiles at the Bronx Zoo
In addition to the Komodo dragons, the Bronx Zoo is also home to a number of other reptiles, including Aldabra tortoises and southern white rhinos.
Aldabra Tortoises
The Aldabra tortoises are one of only two remaining species of giant tortoises, and are thought to live for 200 years or more.
Southern White Rhinos
The southern white rhinos are the only rhino species that is not listed as endangered, although the increased threat of poaching for the illegal sale of rhino horns threatens their future.
Membership and Conservation
To get the most out of your visit to the Bronx Zoo, consider becoming a WCS Member. This will give you access to a year of adventure at the Bronx Zoo, as well as the Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo. Members also have the opportunity to book a Wild Encounter for a personal meeting with their favorite animals and the keepers who care for them.
The Bronx Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding and management program that aims to maintain genetic diversity and demographic stability in zoo populations. The hatching of the Komodo dragons is an outcome of the SSP, and represents a hopeful future for the species.
References:
– https://bronxzoo.com/animals/our-animals
– https://bronxzoo.com/things-to-do/exhibits/zoo-center
– https://map.bronxzoo.com/places/81-komodo-dragon
– https://newsroom.wcs.org/News-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/16996/A-First-for-the-Bronx-6-Komodo-Dragons-Hatch-at-Bronx-Zoo.aspx