PHOTOS: Komodo Dragon Undergoes a Health Checkup at Brevard Zoo
Sheldon, a 10-year-old Komodo dragon who recently arrived at Brevard Zoo from St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, underwent a checkup last week and received high marks in all areas. Nearly a dozen animal care professionals participated in the procedure, which was overseen by a veterinarian and two curators.
Zoo staff examined Sheldon’s overall body condition, drew blood, captured X-ray images and used a sonogram machine to view his internal organs.
Sheldon measured 7’2” long and weighed just over 100 pounds, and he may still have some growing to do; the largest known Komodo dragon reached 10 feet and 366 pounds.
Sheldon is currently living behind the scenes. This summer, he will join four-year-old female Sha-Sha in the Zoo’s Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond exhibit. Their keepers hope to see breeding behaviors and, eventually, offspring.
Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, can be found on five islands in the Indonesian archipelago. Habitat loss, human hunting, and depletion of food sources all pose threats to this species, which is considered vulnerable to extinction.
Sheldon measured 7’2” long and weighed just over 100 pounds, and he may still have some growing to do; the largest known Komodo dragon reached 10 feet and 366 pounds.
Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, can be found on five islands in the Indonesian archipelago. Habitat loss, human hunting, and depletion of food sources all pose threats to this species, which is considered vulnerable to extinction.
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