Kadal is a Komodo dragon who came to the zoo in October.
The Buffalo Zoo has a new reptile in its brand new Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian and Reptile Center, which opens May 24. Kadal is a Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) who came to the zoo in October, and he has just come out of quarantine. His coming to the zoo marks the first time the zoo has had the species in its care.
Say hello to Kadal the Komodo dragon! It’s the first time we’ve had this species at the Zoo and we couldn’t be more excited for you to meet him! Come welcome Kadal in the newly renovated Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian and Reptile Center which opens to the public on Friday, May 24th. And, stay tuned for more behind the scenes videos and information!
Posted by The Buffalo Zoo on Monday, May 6, 2019
The zoo closed the reptile house in March 2018 for renovations. It received $150,000 in state funding, which enabled the zoo to build and update enclosures both for native species, and for the largest lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon. The zoo was originally built in 1942 by Marlin Perkins of Wild Kingdom, and then Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. It was once considered the best reptile and amphibian facility in the nation, and the new center hopes to improve their standing. Kadal should be happy in his new enclosure.
Buffalo Zoo’s Reptile House Closes For Renovation
Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world and are native to Indonesia. The large lizard is a carnivore and in the wild has been documented taking down large deer. The reptile is an endangered species, with an estimated 2,500 lizards left in the wild, all living at Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
