Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon 04Meet Elsie, the Komodo dragon! She's the largest living lizard in the world and the only one of her kind in New England at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Komodo dragons are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are known for their sharp teeth, claws, and venomous bite.

Denizen of Komodo Isle

In the heart of Komodo Isle,
Where wild things roam and run,
There lies a creature fierce and wild,
Underneath the blazing sun.

The Komodo Dragon, ancient and tall,
A relic of a time long past,
With scales of armor, tough and strong,
It traverses lands vast.

Its tongue flickers, sensing the air,
With eyes that gleam, alert and keen,
A predator, stealthy and rare,
In this untamed, rugged scene.

With a jaw that opens wide,
Exposing teeth sharp as knives,
It strikes its prey with deadly force,
Ensuring that it survives.

A master of camouflage,
Blending in with the earthy ground,
The Komodo Dragon waits in patience,
For its next meal to be found.

A symbol of power and might,
In a world where survival is key,
The Komodo Dragon reigns supreme,
In its realm of wild and free.

So let us wonder at this creature,
Majestic and fierce in its grace,
For in the land of Komodo Isle,
The Komodo Dragon finds its place.

Komodo Dragon 01Meet Elsie, the Komodo dragon! She's the largest living lizard in the world and the only one of her kind in New England at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Komodo dragons are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are known for their sharp teeth, claws, and venomous bite. Komodo Dragon 02Meet Elsie, the Komodo dragon! She's the largest living lizard in the world and the only one of her kind in New England at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Komodo dragons are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are known for their sharp teeth, claws, and venomous bite. Komodo Dragon 03Meet Elsie, the Komodo dragon! She's the largest living lizard in the world and the only one of her kind in New England at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Komodo dragons are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are known for their sharp teeth, claws, and venomous bite. Komodo Dragon 04Meet Elsie, the Komodo dragon! She's the largest living lizard in the world and the only one of her kind in New England at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Komodo dragons are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are known for their sharp teeth, claws, and venomous bite. Komodo Dragon 05Meet Elsie, the Komodo dragon! She's the largest living lizard in the world and the only one of her kind in New England at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Komodo dragons are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are known for their sharp teeth, claws, and venomous bite.

Meet Elsie, the Komodo Dragon at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Elsie is the only Komodo dragon in New England, and she is a fascinating creature. She is the largest living species of lizards, reaching up to 10 feet in length and weighing over 300 pounds. She has a long, flat head with a rounded snout, scaly skin, bowed legs, and a huge, muscular tail.

Komodo dragons are native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Padar. They are carnivores and eat a variety of prey, including deer, pigs, buffalo, and even other Komodo dragons. They have a venomous bite that can kill their prey within hours.

Elsie is a very active dragon (as dragons go) and loves to explore her enclosure. She is also very curious and interact with her keepers. She is a great ambassador for her species and helps to educate visitors about these amazing creatures.

If you are looking for a unique and educational experience, be sure to visit Elsie the Komodo dragon at Roger Williams Park Zoo. She is sure to leave you in awe!

Here are some other interesting facts about Komodo dragons:

• They are the largest living lizards on Earth.
• They have a venomous bite that can kill their prey within hours.
• They are solitary animals, only coming together to mate.
• Female Komodo dragons can have virgin births, meaning some do not need a male to fertilize an egg for it to hatch.
• They are listed as vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and hunting.

Note: This is written with the help of my high school-aged son, Jonathan, who spends his summers (and other times of the year) working with the campers in Roger Williams Park Zoo "ZooCamp" program. 

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