
They will feed on almost any easy meal, such as a small rodent that wanders by or the carcass of a dead animal. Komodo dragons are opportunistic hunters.

In the wild, a full-grown adult can take down prey as large as a water buffalo, but that kind of attack is rare. “They’re not like marathon runners, but they can move decently fast and in short bursts,” explains Neff. Komodo dragons can move quickly despite their long, heavy bodies. Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Big Lizards, Big Appetites The Zoo's 22-year-old Komodo dragon, Murphy, typically weighs 146-152 pounds. Komodo dragon's are the world's largest lizards. Still, keepers never let their guards down with dangerous animals. Neff has worked with Murphy for about seven years, so he has a lot of practice. Komodo dragons have thick, leathery skin, strong claws, sharp teeth and a venomous bite, so keepers must be very careful when interacting with these reptiles. They are the world’s largest lizards and can reach lengths of about 10 feet. He is tiny compared to Murphy who usually tips the scales at 146-152 pounds. Onyx is a little over a year old, and keepers estimate he weighs just 2-3 pounds. The team is just getting to know Onyx, but animal keeper Matt Neff has already nicknamed him “Junior” because he resembles the Zoo’s 22-year-old Komodo dragon, Murphy, in both looks and temperament. The young Komodo dragon, named Onyx, moved into his new habitat at Reptile Discovery Center Dec. The Smithsonian's National Zoo is warming up to a new monitor lizard this winter. Reptile keepers are warming up to a new monitor lizard this winter, a young Komodo dragon named Onyx.
