World’s Largest Lizards Hatch at San Antonio Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 10, 2021 12:30 am

One of ten Komodo Dragons born at San Antonio Zoo last month

Photo Credit: San Antonio Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo have announced the successful hatching of ten Komodo Dragons. They hatched between October 17th and October 27th 2021. The clutch included two males, four females and four whose genders are as yet undetermined.

The exciting announcement comes after the species was moved from vulnerable to endangered earlier this year. Less than 1,400 remain in the wild making each of these new arrivals precious for the survival of their species.

Out of the 3,000 lizard species which call Earth home the Komodo dragons takes home the title as the largest.

“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.”

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The parents of these new arrivals had a long distance romance but luckily were brought together by the matchmakers at the Komodo Dragon SSP. This program brings together good genetic matches for breeding to ensure health within the captive population.

As such male Boga from the Houston Zoo was recommended to breed with San Antonio resident, Kristika. Last winter the pair came together and in March Kristika deposited the eggs. Incubation for this clutch lasted between 223 and 233 days.

San Antonio Zoo also provide support to the Komodo Survival Program (KSP), the only conservation organization actively doing fieldwork and research with Komodo dragons.

Unfortunately this species is facing ongoing threats such as habitat loss from a variety of factors.

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

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

A Komodo dragon hatchling, one of ten born at the San Antonio Zoo last month, emerges from its egg.

Photo Credit: San Antonio Zoo