On Tuesday, the Little Rock Zoo debuted two new exhibits: Hidden Corners of the World: Uncommon Creatures, a new collection of rare reptiles and amphibians, and The Isle of the Dragon, which features two Komodo dragons.
Two youngsters, Iroh and Tiamat, can be seen at the komodo display, which is situated on the west side of the reptile house and is accessible from both the inside and the outdoors.
Some male Komodo dragons can reach a length of 10 feet, making them the largest lizard species on Earth. One of the few lizards with a poisonous bite, they are native to Indonesia and are apex predators in their ecology. The Smithsonian National Zoo claims that they can consume up to 80% of their body weight in a single meal.
The species is known to practice cannibalism; in the wild, about 10% of its diet consists of the flesh of other lizards. Newborn and juvenile Komodo dragons, who spend a large portion of their time in trees to evade predators, are preyed upon by older Komodo dragons. In order to repel older Komodo dragons that are searching for food, young Komodo dragons will also roll about in their excrement.
Human attacks are uncommon; from 1974 to 2021, Komodo National Park in Indonesia reported 24 attacks that claimed five lives.
The Komodo dragon was listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2021. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan suggested the pair for the Little Rock Zoo.
A news statement states that rare and exceptional reptiles and amphibians from some of the planet’s most distant and biodiverse places are on display in the Hidden Corners of the World exhibit.
The display will emphasize nature’s amazing diversity and the vital role these lesser-known animals play in preserving healthy ecosystems, the announcement notes, featuring everything from elusive lizards to vibrantly colored frogs.
In celebration of Toad Suck Daze, the yearly Conway festival that features toad races, the Conway Chamber of Commerce is funding the exhibit.
Susan Altrui, director of the Little Rock Zoo, said, “We are immensely proud to open these two unique exhibits that highlight both the power and mystery of some of the most fascinating creatures in the world.” In addition to providing our visitors with life-changing experiences, these exhibitions deepen their understanding of wildlife and the value of conservation.
Additionally, the Little Rock Zoo recently began building on a $12 million project that will revamp the zoo’s entrance plaza and welcome back capybaras, the largest rodent in the world.
Visitors can enter the Little Rock Zoo for a single buckaroonie on Saturday as part of the annual Hiland Dairy Dollar Day promotion.
It’s dragon-slaying time!
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