Komodo dragons are the world's largest living lizards, and their complex thermoregulatory, territorial, and predatory needs present significant welfare challenges in zoological settings.
Komodo dragons in zoo settings frequently face enclosures that are too small to permit natural ranging, territorial expression, and full thermoregulatory behaviour. Without adequate thermal gradients, ectotherms cannot regulate their body temperature, impairing digestion, immune function, and activity. The species' reliance on chemoreception means that olfactory enrichment — providing varied scent stimuli and food-seeking opportunities — is particularly important for psychological wellbeing. Stereotypic pacing and glass surfing are visible indicators of inadequate space or environmental complexity. Modern evidence-based reptile husbandry increasingly emphasises complex, naturalistic enclosures with multiple thermal zones, hiding spots, and cognitive challenge through feeding enrichment.