Komodo dragons are the world's largest lizards whose zoo welfare requires thermal gradients, large enclosures, and minimal social stress from inappropriate grouping.
Komodo dragon welfare in captivity requires careful attention to temperature gradients, UVB provision, and social management. As ectotherms, inadequate temperatures cause physiological compromise that affects digestion, immunity, and behaviour. UVB deficiency causes metabolic bone disease. Inappropriate social grouping creates territorial stress and serious injury risk from conspecific aggression. These requirements demand significant investment in specialist facilities that many general zoos cannot adequately provide.