Kraken the Komodo Dragon Goes for a Health Check

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 25, 2020 1:10 pm

Kraken the Komodo dragon while he was travelling to the vet

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

The Somersby Animal Hospital on the Central Coast of Australia has had an unusual visitor as Kraken the Komodo Dragon from the Australian Reptile Park visited for his annual health check.

Kraken is one of the Australian Reptile Park’s most famous residents and their largest lizard. At this year’s health check he came in at 2.42m (7.9ft) long and 38kg (83.8lbs) in weight, an impressive result for the 9 year old lizard. This is an increase of 14cm (5.5in) of length and 2kg (4.4lbs) of weight over the last year.

While this length may seem impressive he could still grow. Komodo dragons can reach 3.4m (11.2ft) in length and weights up to 100kg (220.4lbs).

Taking your pet to the vet can be challenging enough but that’s nothing compared to taking the world’s largest lizard. Kraken attended the Somersby Animal Hospital for his weigh in on a giant set of scales. He also received a check-up from Dr Robin Crisman. She confirmed that Kraken is growing up to be a very healthy dragon.

Left: Jake Meney with Kraken the Komodo dragon Right: Kraken the Komodo dragon explores

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

During his visit Kraken got the VIP treatment being the only animal on site. Staff made sure no other animals visited the hospital either for an appointment or a walk-in.

He returned to the Australian Reptile Park for his measuring which was watched by a number of impressed onlookers.

Reptiles don’t often show signs that they are ill so yearly health checks are important to ensure that they remain healthy. Reptile keeper Jake Meney explains “Yearly health checks are critical for our Komodo Dragons – as they are reptiles, they don’t actually need to eat that often, so it’s not like they just stop eating when they feel sick. The best way of ensuring their good health is by weighing them and having Robin the vet complete annual look overs.”

Mr Meney continues, “I have to say though, Kraken is my absolute favourite animal here at the Australian Reptile Park, but it’s not always an easy task getting him to the vets! We’re very lucky, and have worked extremely hard, to be able to have the bond with Kraken that we do, otherwise this wouldn’t be as smooth sailing! No one likes stepping on the scales though, we always need to give him that extra time to work up the courage!”

Keeper, Jake Meney and a staff member from the wildlife hospital with a Komodo dragon

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Visitors can see Kraken in his Indonesian temple themed habitat at the Australian Reptile Park.

Komodo dragons are listed as vulnerable with a stable population in Indonesia of 3,000-5,000 Komodo dragons. Their numbers have declined due to human encroachment, poaching and natural disasters.

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Learn more about Komodo dragons – Komodo Dragon Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Australian Reptile Park on their website – Australian Reptile Park