For the first time ever, ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Tampa, Fla., has hatched endangered Komodo dragons, significantly increasing the numbers of the world’s largest lizard.

After a nine-month incubation, the six new dragons from mother Aanjay (age 13) and father Titus (age 12) started hatching on 21 August. During this time, ZooTampa’s herpetology and veterinary teams monitored the eggs, which were about the size of a goose egg, by using candling imaging and genetic testing to ensure the eggs were viable. They determined the sex of the dragons before they hatched by obtaining a blood sample from the egg.

The clutch of six hatchlings includes three females and three males, each weighing around 100 grams and are about ten inches long. The new baby Komodo dragons will adapt and grow behind the scenes before meeting the public later this fall. 

“These first-time additions at the Zoo are a big win for conservation,” said Dan Costell, associate curator of Herpetology at ZooTampa. “It was a long process, and we are excited that these additions to a key endangered species are finally here.” 

The breeding was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan® program, a breeding program that manages the sustainability of animal populations at AZA-accredited facilities.

“Being a part of the Species Survival Plan program, ZooTampa has a shared commitment to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied reptile population,” Costell said. “Komodo dragons are one of 99 species that we are working to save and protect at the Zoo as part of the SSP.”

Komodo dragons are the largest lizards on Earth, reaching up to ten feet long and 200 pounds. The powerful lizards can run up to 12 miles per hour and have a strong venomous bite. They are found natively only in the islands of Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and its habitats range from tropical island forests and beaches. They are endangered due to climate change and human activities such as agricultural expansion, resulting in habitat loss. There are an estimated 1,400 adult Komodo dragons left in the wild. 

Photos Credit: © ZooTampa