Oct 8, 2024 - News

Nashville Zoo celebrates the birth of two new Komodo dragons

Adam Tamburin

A lizard lounging in a water dish. — One of the newly hatched Komodo dragons at the Nashville Zoo. Photo: courtesy of the Nashville Zoo

The Nashville Zoo welcomed two new inhabitants recently when a pair of Komodo dragons hatched.

Why it matters: The zoo has housed Komodo dragons for 10 years, but this is the first time they've successfully hatched on site.

Komodo dragons are considered endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the Nashville Zoo participates in international conservation efforts.

Zoom in: The hatchlings were born on Sept. 20 and 23.

The big picture: Komodo dragons are known for being the largest lizards on earth. They can reach up to 10 feet in length and more than 300 pounds.

But the new little lizards are starting small. The zoo reports they currently weigh about the same as a stick of butter.

State of play: The zoo's youngest lizards are being raised behind the scenes for now.

What's next: Once they're fully grown, Komodo dragons are considered ferocious predators. They have strong jaws and a toxic bite, and can bring down deer, goats and even horses in the wild.

Go deeper: Read our 2023 story on the zoo's Komodo dragon exhibit.

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Nashville Zoo celebrates the birth of two new Komodo dragons

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