Why You WON’T See the Komodo Dragon Tomorrow Morning
Animal Kingdom’s resident Komodo Dragon is one of the highlights of the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Despite his size, he’s an expert at camouflaging himself from guests, making both finding him and observing him a fun game.
Even the keenest of spotters likely won’t be able to find our Komodo Dragon friend in his enclosure tomorrow morning though, as one of his Cast Member keepers informed me on a visit this past week.
AZA’s Minimum Temperature Rules
Animal Kingdom is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) who have strict rules in place to best protect our nation’s zoo animals. One of those rules is enforcing minimum and maximum temperatures for each species.
To test the temperature at Animal Kingdom, Cast Members will use a temperature gun that tests the temperature on the ground inside each enclosure. If the temperature reads too hot or too cold, the animal will not be allowed outside and will remain in a temperature-controlled environment.
For example, the minimum and maximum temperature for lions will likely never prevent Animal Kingdom’s lions from going outside as the maximum is too high, and the minimum is too low for Central FL to ever reach. In the case of the Komodo Dragon (and his cold-blooded regulation system), the minimum temperature is much higher- meaning the Komodo Dragon won’t be out unless the temperature is above at least 50-55 degrees!
AK’s Komodo Dragon Enclosure
With a major cold front approaching this afternoon, you likely won’t see the Komodo Dragon out this evening or tomorrow morning. But Animal Kingdom’s Komodo Dragon has quite the enclosure to help combat some of those temperature requirements!
Heated rock
If you look to the right of his enclosure, you’ll see a big rock. While it looks like any old rock, there is actually a heating system within the rock that can be used to keep him warm while he sunbathes on a cooler day.
The Komodo Dragon’s Indoor Passageway
He also has the ability to go inside whenever he likes! Off to the left, you will spot what looks to be a cave- which is actually his way inside if he wants to retreat to some warmer temperatures. Talk about living in the lap of luxury! All that being said, don’t expect to see the Komodo Dragon tonight or tomorrow morning- or on any chilly day- at least not until the day starts to warm up a bit!
