 he Komodo dragons’ new exhibit features a wide range of viewing opportunities in a natural tropical setting. Located along the Zoo’s Tropics Trail, this state of the art exhibit lends insight into the amphibious nature of these unique and fascinating creatures. Guests can choose different vantage points to see the animals on land or in the water.
The expansive viewing windows allow Zoo guests to experience the unique and distinct personalities of Ivan and Gaia. With plenty of room to show off, Ivan has a playful disposition as he seems to pose for guests, taking full advantage of his newfound fame. Gaia on the other hand, isn’t a showboat and doesn’t crave the limelight like her brother Ivan. She is more reserved and loves to find comfort and solace as she nestles up near the shrubs in her large home. Just like many homes in Arizona, Gaia and Ivan’s new digs come ready with their very own pool to enjoy as they swim, play and cool off in the hot summer months. Dragons, like other reptiles, rely on an outside source to regulate their body temperature. To help with this process, the rocks placed in the front of the viewing areas are heated which allow the dragons to warm up for the day, just inches from your face! Dragons can be exhibited outside between 65 and 115 degrees. To ensure our guests maximum viewing opportunities, the exhibit is complete with an indoor viewing area for days outside this temperature range.
A myriad of educational components are also integrated throughout the experience. Signage educating guests about the role of the dragons in culture and folklore, as well as highlighting the many adaptations that allow dragons to be top predators on their native islands can be found woven into the exhibit. Also highlighted are conservation projects and the physical geography of their native land.
Made possible in large part to the generosity of the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation, donors to the Phoenix Zoo’s Capital Campaign, Land of the Dragons is a site to behold.
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