Islands in Danger

CONSIDERED to be the most intelligent of all reptiles, the Komodo Dragon is an intriguing animal.

Islands in Danger is home to these magnificent reptiles.

The idea for Islands in Danger was born early in 1998 and our dragons are joined by other rare island species including Red Birds of Paradise, Pheasant Pigeons, the St Lucia Amazon Parrot and the Socorro Dove, which is extinct in the wild.

The Komodo Dragon is found on only a few small islands in the Lesser Sunda chain of the Indonesian Islands which includes Komodo, hence the concept of Islands in Danger. Eminent herpetologists credit the Komodo with being the most intelligent of all reptiles. They also have good hearing, binocular vision and a keen sense of smell.

Komodos are capable of running up to 18 kilometres per hour and because their core body temperature fluctuates least of any known reptile the Komodo is able to swim between islands, frequently staying below the surface.


An adult male up may reach up to three metres in length and weigh up to 100 kg with the adult female being slightly smaller reaching up to two metres in length and weighing half as much. The dragons are given a varied diet of rats, mice, chicks, fish, squid and beef.

To ensure that everyone gets a good view of the Komodos, hot rocks are positioned near to the public windows to encourage the animals to bask. The enclosure is heated via thermostatically controlled hot air system.

Previously people seldom have the opportunity to see and learn about such magnificent and awe-inspiring animals but now, thanks to Islands in Danger, they have a great opportunity to learn more about the impressive Komodo Dragon.