AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo has acquired two new Komodo dragons, Draco and Charlie, which are now on exhibit in the zoo’s EducationCenter, KomodoKingdom. As Draco and Charlie get acclimated to their new surroundings they will be on exhibit daily from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The zoo’s resident Komodo dragon, TNT, will be on exhibit when Draco and Charlie are not on exhibit.
Draco and Charlie, who are sisters, were born October 8, 2010 and were brought to Akron from the Denver Zoo where they were born. Draco and Charlie are about 4 feet in length and weigh 9 pounds compared to TNT, who at age 13, weighs 141 pounds. Eventually as Draco and Charlie get more comfortable with their surroundings they will alternate days on exhibit with TNT. TNT has been at the zoo since 2005 when the zoo opened KomodoKingdom.
Komodo dragons, a type of monitor lizard, are the world’s largest living lizard. Komodo dragons are indigenous to a few IndonesianIslands, including the Island of Komodo. They are typically found in tropical savanna forests. Komodo dragons will scavenge carcasses or eat live prey ranging from large rodents to water buffalo. Juvenile Komodo dragons like Draco and Charlie, typically will eat small lizards or insects. Komodo dragons are an endangered species due primarily to habitat destruction.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. The Akron Zoo hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6 per person. Children under two are free and parking is $2. Starting May 1, the Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation Zoo with over 700 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the Zoo strives to provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.
Submitted by:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238
dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org
