photo - romulus, the komodo dragon, looks yellowish/brown, side view of head, body, large black eye, flat head, shows claws , sitting by a branch,

Louisville Zoo Welcomes New Male Komodo

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

Meet Romulus— a new 7-month-old male Komodo dragon comes to the Louisville Zoo from the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas. He is named after the founder of Rome.

Romulus is now on exhibit in the outside Komodo dragon enclosure in the HerpAquarium. Currently, he is in a modified space created just for him due to his small size. When he grows, he will inhabit the full outdoor space in that same area. Romulus has been here since March and has already grown 8 inches and tripled his weight.  Komodo dragons can grow 8 to 10 feet long and become between 100 to 200 pounds. Zoo staff look forward to watching him grown alongside Zoo guests.

ABOUT KOMODO DRAGONS

Komodo dragons are found only on the dry, scrub-covered Indonesian Islands of Komodo, Gili Motang, Padar, Rinca and Flores. The largest number are found on Komodo Island. They are the main predator on these islands. Komodo dragons have a keen sense of smell. They smell by flicking their forked tongue like a snake to detect odors in the air. Scent-laden particles are carried to the Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth. Komodo dragons are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

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The Louisville Zoo, a nonprofit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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