Komodo dragons are the world's largest living lizards and apex predators of their Indonesian island ecosystems. Meeting their thermoregulatory, spatial, and dietary needs in zoo settings requires specialised expertise.
Komodo dragon welfare in captivity depends on recreating the thermal complexity they require as ectotherms. Unlike mammals, Komodos cannot internally regulate body temperature — they must move between warm basking areas, cooler retreats, and intermediate zones throughout the day. Exhibits that provide only one thermal zone force animals into suboptimal temperatures that affect digestion, immune function, and behaviour. UV lighting is essential for vitamin D synthesis in the absence of natural sunlight. Substrate quality matters: Komodos dig, and access to appropriate substrate allows this natural behaviour while providing physical exercise. Dietary provision must include appropriately sized whole prey items that allow natural feeding behaviour — including the jaw-gaping and skin-pulling associated with consuming large carcasses. As solitary animals, cohabitation should be managed carefully, with separate feeding areas to avoid aggression over food. Keeper safety protocols must allow welfare monitoring without requiring excessive restriction of the animal.