Zoo to add Komodo dragon exhibit

A Komodo dragon exhibit will be coming to the new Asian Passage area of the Birmingham Zoo.

The zoo was recently awarded a grant from AutoTec, LLC for the Zoo’s Capital Campaign to fund the new exhibit.  

The large lizard is native to Indonesian islands and can grow up to 10 feet and weigh about 150 pounds. It has a tail as long as its body and about 60 serrated teeth. As a result of its size, the dragon dominates its ecosystems.

 “We are grateful to AutoTec for their gift, as it enables an important and exciting new animal exhibit while enhancing the Zoo’s education initiatives,” said F. Dixon Brooke Jr., zoo campaign chair and retired CEO of EBSCO.  

To date, the Zoo has raised $12.3 million of its $15 million goal. Brooke is challenging the community to grow this goal to $18 million to build out Phase 2 of the Asian Passage, which will include a new tiger exhibit.

“In view of the initial success of our campaign, this stretch goal will make it possible for the zoo to accelerate development of the $2.5 million tiger exhibit, bringing joy to countless numbers of visitors in the years to come,” Brooke said.