Komodo dragon dies at Zoo Miami

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - An 18-year-old Komodo dragon named “Khaos” died at Zoo Miami, Monday, zoo officials announced.

“Results from the necropsy did not reveal anything that would indicate a clear cause of death, so veterinarians will be waiting for the final pathology reports, which could take several weeks, with hopes they will provide more information,” Zoo officials said in a news release.

According to Zoo Miami, the dragon was part of a historic hatching at Zoo Miami in 1998, he was one of 27 Komodo dragons hatched, which at the time was the largest clutch produced outside of Indonesia.

Khaos was also once featured on CBS’ “Late Night with David Letterman.”

I’ll never forget when I put him on David Letterman’s desk and Letterman totally freaked out not realizing what a gentle giant Khaos was.  He was a very special animal that I was privileged to travel around the country with, and he inspired countless people, children and adults alike, about the wonders of wildlife. He will be deeply missed,” said Ron Magill, Zoo Goodwill Ambassador/Communications Director.

The animal was facing several health challenges over the last two years.

“It had become so severe last year that serious consideration was given to euthanizing him due to the dramatic loss of quality of life.  As part of a dedicated and compassionate effort to try to save Khaos and improve his mobility, zoo staff developed a special hydrotherapy program for him.  This program involved placing Khaos in a pool and allowing him to swim in hopes of him improving his range of motion and alleviating the severe stiffness that was progressively debilitating him,” Zoo Miami said.

Komodo dragons are considered endangered with about only 6,000 left in the world.

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.