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Nashville Zoo opening new Komodo dragon habitat

It’s time for the Komodo dragons to shine. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 27, when the Nashville Zoo’s newest habitat opens to the public.

July 7, 2023 • 
Dylan Aycock
Sketch of Komodo dragons lying around a fountain in an enclosed space

Stay tuned for keeper talks when the habitat is up and running. | Sketch via Nashville Zoo

Soon you’ll be able to spot a few new scaly faces when the Nashville Zoo’s Komodo dragon habitat opens later this month.

The habitat, located on the path to the zoo’s HCA Veterinary Healthcare Center, is built to house up to two adult males, three adult females, and young Komodo dragons. Here are a few fast facts before the exhibit opens on Thursday, July 27.

  • There will be inside and outside viewing areas — the latter a place to watch the lizards run during keeper talks.
  • During colder months, the Komodo dragons can be viewed in their climate-controlled, indoor habitat while red-crowned cranes enjoy the outdoor habitat.
  • This species is known for being the heaviest lizard and can reach up to 10 ft in length — just ask Lil Sebastian, the zoo’s largest Komodo dragon, when he joins the habitat.

Bonus: As part of Member Appreciation Week, Nashville Zoo members can preview the habitat early on Wednesday, June 26.

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