San Diego Zoo Unveil Hummingbird and Komodo Dragon Habitats

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 2, 2021 5:15 pm

A view of the Kenneth C. Griffin Komodo Dragon habitat opened today at the San Diego Zoo

Photo Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance/Lisa Bissi

San Diego Zoo have unveiled two new habitats featuring Komodo Dragons and hummingbirds. The Kenneth C. Griffin Komodo Kingdom and the William E. Cole Family Hummingbird Habitat are two unique spaces but both allow guests to be immersed in learning about the interconnectedness between wildlife and people, and ways to help conserve species.

“Building a world where all life thrives isn’t just a motto for us, it’s the central driving force behind all the work we do to protect wildlife—here at home and through our work across six continents,” said Paul Baribault, president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.0

“Our team worked diligently to bring these two innovative habitats to life, and through them, we now have the opportunity further our mission by uniting our guests with these amazing species.”

San Diego Zoo officials and San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Stephen Whitburn unveil two brand-new habitats

Photo Credit: Ken Bohn/ San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The Komodo Kingdom habitat provides a home for two Komodo dragons, 9 year old Ratu and 17 year old Satu. They can enjoy habitats mimicking the beach, woodland and mountain highland areas of Komodo Island in Indonesia.

To ensure their comfort it includes pools, misters, hot rocks and heated caves to perfectly mimic their native habitat.

Conservationists have noted that the Komodo dragon population is declining as a result of habitat loss, increasing tourism and illegal poaching. This has led to their listing as vulnerable. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are working to fight the tide of threats facing this species in Indonesia.

“High rates of deforestation, major biodiversity loss, unsustainable agriculture, illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and an increase of potential for transmission of zoonotic diseases are just a few of the dangers Komodo dragons and other wildlife living in the Asian rainforest region face daily,” said Nadine Lamberski, chief conservation and wildlife health officer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

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Close-by guests can enter the infinity-loop-shaped William E. Cole Family Hummingbird Habitat. Here guests can walk among a number of hummingbirds and other species of bird from South America.

A range of features including cascading water, orchids, palms and other rare plants to reflect their native environment.

Both habitat incorporate state-of-the-art sustainable materials which bring conservation to the forefront. In both habitats the wall and/or roof panels are made with ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)—a fluorine-based plastic that is created to be more resistant to corrosion. It is also 100% recyclable.

An interior view of the William E. Cole Family Hummingbird Habitat at the San Diego Zoo

Photo Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance/ Lisa Bissi

Komodo Kingdom and the Hummingbird Habitat have opened ahead of a full renovation of the Children’s Zoo earlier this year. It will replace the original Children’s Zoo which was built in 1957.

The new 3.2-acre Sanford Children’s Zoo will allow children to explore the natural world through play. It features four new ecosystems – Desert Dunes, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows and Rainforest – each including plants and animals which are adapted for those climates.

A Komodo dragon in the Kenneth C. Griffin Komodo Dragon habitat opened today at the San Diego Zoo

Photo Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance/Andrew James

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

Learn more about Hummingbirds here – Hummingbird Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the San Diego Zoo on their website – San Diego Zoo