Well, not exactly, but at nine feet long and an average weight of 350 pounds, the fierce Komodo Dragon is the largest of all lizards, and the closest thing we have to the much-storied creatures of myth. The Palm Beach Zoo, already beloved for many impressive exhibits, has recently introduced the newest member of their family, Hannibal the Komodo Dragon, or “Hanna” as she’s known.
Komodo dragons are primarily island-dwellers indigenous to Indonesia where they were discovered not even 100 years ago. Despite their size, they are capable runners and swimmers, easily exceeding human speeds, much to the surprise of the many people who have been victims to a sudden dragon attack. While few attacks on humans have been documented, this surprising aggression not only makes them dangerous, it makes them one of the more difficult animals to acclimate to containment. This combined with the endangerment of the species is in part why so few zoos are able to exhibit them.
The Palm Beach Zoo is elated to join the small number that do.
Hanna the Komodo Dragon was obtained from the Miami Metro Zoo in February and today is pleasing zoo guests by the thousands. Afraid she needs a friend? Don’t worry. Dragons are solitary creatures and are rarely seen in pairs or groups, coming together only to mate and occasionally to feed off large food sources when available.
Hanna is on display everyday at the Palm Beach Zoo, just minutes from our luxurious Singer Island hotel. Along with their newest guest, you’ll see over 1,100 amazing animals from all over the world. The zoo is open everyday except for Christmas and Thanksgiving, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last admittance is at 4:15 p.m. For more information about the zoo, Hanna, and all of the animal friends, click here.
Through March 31st, the Palm Beach Zoo is offering special half-off deals at their gift shop.
Enjoy!