Komodo Dragons - Disney Animals

At approximately 8 feet (2.5 meters) long, Komodo dragons are the largest lizard in the world. Only found on 5 of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands—including the island of Komodo—these tough lizards are capable of enduring the extreme weather conditions created by their tropical domain.

Be on the lookout for Komodo dragons as you walk along the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Here’s a look inside the life of a Komodo dragon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:

• A Natural Setting: The Komodo dragon habitat combines forested flatlands, sloped surfaces and a variety of water features to mimic the diverse ecosystem of the Indonesian rainforest.
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• Chilling and Sunbathing: Ectothermic animals, Komodo dragons regulate their body temperature by sunbathing, seeking out shade, swimming and burrowing. Their home features an array of ways to help them cool off, including built-in burrows, shallow streams and trees with thick canopies. There are also sunny spots where they can catch a few rays.
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• Veterinary Care and Animal Training: To make vet visits easier, the animal care experts created a clear plastic carrier for the Komodo dragons—which they’re trained to enter using positive reinforcement. Once the Komodo dragon is secured inside, animal care experts can weigh, measure and conduct a quick and effective visual inspection. Access panels slide in and out of place to allow for further testing if needed.

Komodo dragon populations are vulnerable due to their limited geographic range. They’re threatened by natural disasters, deforestation and habitat destruction.

The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. The Disney Conservation Fund* has supported projects throughout Asia since 1995 to protect its amazing wildlife—like Komodo dragons—and their natural habitats.