Komodo dragon News

Displaying 1 - 6 of 6

A team of veterinary staff look at a screen while examining a Komodo dragon on a table.
April 08, 2026

Inside a Komodo Dragon Vet Exam at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›

Learn how Zoo veterinarians deliver expert care for an apex island predator.

Komodo Dragon
February 05, 2025

Elderly Komodo Dragon Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ›

Reptile Discovery Center keepers mourn the loss of 26-year-old male Komodo dragon Murphy who died Dec. 23, 2024.

A large lizard, called a Komodo dragon, with a long tail, strong limbs and a long, forked tongue climbs out of murky water
October 12, 2023

Meet Our Komodo Dragon, Murphy ›

Join us in wishing a very happy hatchday to our Komodo dragon, Murphy! Our calm, laid-back lizard turns 25 years old today.

Komodo Dragon
April 03, 2023

How Dangerous Are Komodo Dragons? And Other Komodo Dragon Facts ›

Thanks to their thick skin, strong claws, sharp teeth, and painful bite, Komodo dragons are NOT an animal you'd want to mess with.

Komodo Dragon
August 11, 2022

How Do You Help a Komodo Dragon With Arthritis? ›

How do you help a Komodo dragon with arthritis? Our animal care team turned to an innovative treatment to block the inflammation and ease Murphy’s discomfort.

A young Komodo dragon (monitor lizard) with a long, slender body resting on a tree branch
January 08, 2021

New at the Zoo: Komodo Dragon ›

The Reptile Discovery Center team is warming up to a new monitor lizard this winter. The young Komodo dragon, named Onyx, moved into his new habitat Dec. 10.