Central Coast Komodo dragons successfully pair for a second time

The Advertiser

07-07-2025

KOMODO dragons, Kraken, and Daenerys from the Australian Reptile Park have successfully mated for a second time, with eggs expected to arrive within a month.
The modern-day dinosaurs surprised Central Coast wildlife keepers as they settled quickly and seemed to remember each other.
"I couldn't believe how easy it was," operations manager Brandon Gifford said.
The apex predators are notoriously difficult and dangerous to pair, as they are known for their aggression, he said.
"There was definitely a bit of posturing at the start, but it was like they remembered each other. It felt almost affectionate, which is not something you usually say about Komodo dragons."
The pair first bred in 2021, which resulted in the first-ever Komodo dragon hatchlings born in Australia.
Mr Gifford hoped Daenerys would lay her eggs in a specifically designed nest box.
"If successful, this would mark the second time the park contributes vital hatchlings to the global conservation population.
The Komodo dragon is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with only an estimated 3,000-5,000 left in the wild due to habitat loss, natural disasters, and limited breeding females.
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing up to three to four metres and weighing over 100kg.
Mr Gifford said they possess venomous bites that can be fatal, meaning the risk to keepers is significant.
"Mating attempts must be carefully planned, closely monitored, and backed by extensive safety protocols," he said.
Visitors can see both Kraken and Daenerys on display at the Australian Reptile Park during the Winter Wonderland school holiday events. Visitors can throw real snowballs, have their faces painted, and more.
KOMODO dragons, Kraken, and Daenerys from the Australian Reptile Park have successfully mated for a second time, with eggs expected to arrive within a month.
The modern-day dinosaurs surprised Central Coast wildlife keepers as they settled quickly and seemed to remember each other.
"I couldn't believe how easy it was," operations manager Brandon Gifford said.
The apex predators are notoriously difficult and dangerous to pair, as they are known for their aggression, he said.
"There was definitely a bit of posturing at the start, but it was like they remembered each other. It felt almost affectionate, which is not something you usually say about Komodo dragons."
The pair first bred in 2021, which resulted in the first-ever Komodo dragon hatchlings born in Australia.
Mr Gifford hoped Daenerys would lay her eggs in a specifically designed nest box.
"If successful, this would mark the second time the park contributes vital hatchlings to the global conservation population.
The Komodo dragon is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with only an estimated 3,000-5,000 left in the wild due to habitat loss, natural disasters, and limited breeding females.
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing up to three to four metres and weighing over 100kg.
Mr Gifford said they possess venomous bites that can be fatal, meaning the risk to keepers is significant.
"Mating attempts must be carefully planned, closely monitored, and backed by extensive safety protocols," he said.
Visitors can see both Kraken and Daenerys on display at the Australian Reptile Park during the Winter Wonderland school holiday events. Visitors can throw real snowballs, have their faces painted, and more.
KOMODO dragons, Kraken, and Daenerys from the Australian Reptile Park have successfully mated for a second time, with eggs expected to arrive within a month.
The modern-day dinosaurs surprised Central Coast wildlife keepers as they settled quickly and seemed to remember each other.
"I couldn't believe how easy it was," operations manager Brandon Gifford said.
The apex predators are notoriously difficult and dangerous to pair, as they are known for their aggression, he said.
"There was definitely a bit of posturing at the start, but it was like they remembered each other. It felt almost affectionate, which is not something you usually say about Komodo dragons."
The pair first bred in 2021, which resulted in the first-ever Komodo dragon hatchlings born in Australia.
Mr Gifford hoped Daenerys would lay her eggs in a specifically designed nest box.
"If successful, this would mark the second time the park contributes vital hatchlings to the global conservation population.
The Komodo dragon is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with only an estimated 3,000-5,000 left in the wild due to habitat loss, natural disasters, and limited breeding females.
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing up to three to four metres and weighing over 100kg.
Mr Gifford said they possess venomous bites that can be fatal, meaning the risk to keepers is significant.
"Mating attempts must be carefully planned, closely monitored, and backed by extensive safety protocols," he said.
Visitors can see both Kraken and Daenerys on display at the Australian Reptile Park during the Winter Wonderland school holiday events. Visitors can throw real snowballs, have their faces painted, and more.
KOMODO dragons, Kraken, and Daenerys from the Australian Reptile Park have successfully mated for a second time, with eggs expected to arrive within a month.
The modern-day dinosaurs surprised Central Coast wildlife keepers as they settled quickly and seemed to remember each other.
"I couldn't believe how easy it was," operations manager Brandon Gifford said.
The apex predators are notoriously difficult and dangerous to pair, as they are known for their aggression, he said.
"There was definitely a bit of posturing at the start, but it was like they remembered each other. It felt almost affectionate, which is not something you usually say about Komodo dragons."
The pair first bred in 2021, which resulted in the first-ever Komodo dragon hatchlings born in Australia.
Mr Gifford hoped Daenerys would lay her eggs in a specifically designed nest box.
"If successful, this would mark the second time the park contributes vital hatchlings to the global conservation population.
The Komodo dragon is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with only an estimated 3,000-5,000 left in the wild due to habitat loss, natural disasters, and limited breeding females.
Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing up to three to four metres and weighing over 100kg.
Mr Gifford said they possess venomous bites that can be fatal, meaning the risk to keepers is significant.
"Mating attempts must be carefully planned, closely monitored, and backed by extensive safety protocols," he said.
Visitors can see both Kraken and Daenerys on display at the Australian Reptile Park during the Winter Wonderland school holiday events. Visitors can throw real snowballs, have their faces painted, and more.