San Antonio Zoo® is proud to announce the hatching of 10 Komodo dragons. The hatchings occurred between October 17 and October 27, hatching two boys, four girls, and four yet to be determined dragons.
“This monumental hatching is a testament to the zoo’s persistence and commitment to conservation,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “The hatchlings are thriving, and we are looking forward to watching them grow and help preserve the existence of Komodo dragons.”
There are over 3,000 lizard species, but the Komodo dragon wins the prize for being the largest living lizard in the world! It is a type of monitor lizard, an ancient group of reptiles with ancestors that date back more than 100 million years.
In 2021, Komodo dragons were downgraded from Vulnerable to Endangered, with less than 1,400 mature individuals left in the world. The species is at risk due to their limited habitat range consisting of 6 islands in southern Indonesia, with most of the population living on Komodo Island. While the populations are currently stable, they are at risk due to limitations of the habitat range, development that consumes habitat, and the impending threat of habitat loss from climate change as ocean water levels continue to rise.
San Antonio Zoo has long supported Komodo dragon conservation via the Species Survival Program (SSP). The zoo also supports the Komodo Survival Program (KSP), the only conservation organization actively doing fieldwork and research with Komodo dragons. San Antonio Zoo staff support the SSP and KSP by playing active roles on the SSP Steering Committee (Steering Committee member, vet advisor to SSP, and Conservation Fund secretary) and in the field assisting with the research.
This hatching results from a successful collaboration between two Komodo dragon SSP institutions; The mother, Kristika, resides at the San Antonio Zoo. The sire, Boga, lives at the Houston Zoo. The SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper, along with assistance from population biologists, determined Boga and Kristika would be a genetically strong match for pairing to help enhance the overall health of the Komodo dragon population. Last winter, Boga successfully bred with Kristika, which resulted in eggs being laid on March 8, 2021. Incubation ranged from 223-233 days for this clutch.
San Antonio Zoo animal care specialists will continue to care for the new Komodo dragon babies as they continue to grow.
About San Antonio Zoological Society
San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park.
Website- www.sazoo.org
About San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo®, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature-based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane.
Website- www.sazoo.org
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