See Amazing Komodo Dragons in Indonesia AND Pennsylvania
Recently I was looking eye to eye with a six foot long Komodo dragon. I travel the world seeking to observe endangered species and in the whole world, komodo dragons are endemic to only a few islands in Indonesia. My husband and I flew half way around the world to make looking for Komodo dragons our first priority.
We took a two day live aboard boat from Labuan Bajo to reach some of the remote islands and the park entrance. Park rangers greeted our group and each person paid their entrance and guide fee. Dry, crisp leaves crumbled under our feet as we walked along the dirt trail. Even with the shade of kesambi trees, sweat ran down my back as I pondered how any animal might survive in this arid climate. Wild chickens scratched in the woods and our group scared a pair of wild boars that were sleeping in the tall grass.
If you want to hike in the park, it’s mandatory to have a guide. As we walked along, our guide Usman told us he has worked in the park for thirteen years. Informing us about the reptile’s lives, he told us there are about 2000 Komodos living in the park. As far as reproduction, Komodos do not even start breeding until about age seven for females and age eight for males. As we stepped over some white poop on the ground, Usman pauses to look and said, “Ah, the Komodo ate a deer.” He points at the hair and explains how he can tell what animal it was and the white was uric acid which was how the reptile excreted nitrogenous waste.
My interest was sparked even more by Komodos when five days before leaving the United States for Southeast Asia, my father in law brought home The Daily Item local newspaper clipping. The headline story was about a new $2 million dollar Komodo Dragon exhibit at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in Allenwood, PA. Unbeknownst be me, within a twenty minute drive of my own backyard, we had a world class Komodo breeding facility. I called up Clyde Peelings and on the spur of the moment Chad, the operations manager, paused his day to graciously show me the work they are doing with Komodos.
In the AZA world (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Komodo dragon facilities are either exhibit-only or breeding. With a bit of a chuckle, Chad explained that by choosing to run a breeding facility they have now essentially become a dating service for Komodo dragons. Upholding genetic diversity is important and Chad’s eyes alight as he spoke of species conservation. When I asked Chad why they would choose to make such a significant investment to breed Komodos without hesitation he said, “…because it makes us better and we want to be the best we can.” This is a man who gets it. In many areas of the world species conservation is just as much about protecting the animal as it is about taking care of the local people. For this reason every year Clyde Peelings voluntarily donates money to Komodo Dragon National Park. To me, it’s pretty cool to think that if you are going by Allenwood, PA you can help a species half way across the world just by paying an entrance fee.
I thought about Chad’s words and perspective as we boarded our boat again and went to see more Komodos on Rinca Island. Here we met our new guide Subajar to lead us on another hike. He grew up in the local village around the bay from the park entrance with thatched huts and electricity only by generator.
I know this photo is a little blurry – hey these young komodos gotta move! But I wanted to include it so you can see the coloration of a younger komodo.
Speaking to us in English, he told us more cool facts like how young Komodos live in trees until about age’s three to five so they are not eaten by other Komodos.
In the park office, a man who kindly welcomed all the park guests and referenced himself as ‘Uncle Louie’ was happy to speak with me further. He started working in the park in 1980 and candidly said at first he ‘didn’t understand’ why it was important to even designate a park for the Komodos. As he worked with officials and organizations both in Indonesian and internationally, he then realized what a unique animal they were sharing a home with. Uncle Louie excitedly waved his hands around the small office with no fan describing how important his job is to help conserve the dragons in their only habitat on earth. With a sigh he reflects, “It’s a hard job. Our rangers so far have been very lucky,” referring that he had not had anyone injured recently. He spoke to how sometimes poachers try to enter the park. The poachers have guns that can reach 300 meters. The park ranger’s guns can reach 50 meters. But no matter the obstacles, they must keep conserving “now and forever” the Komodo dragons habitat.
Sailing away from the Komodo islands I pondered what future lays ahead for this endangered animal. From what I experienced in the park, I felt hopeful there was a chance they will continue to have their home. Combine that with the work organizations like Clyde Peelings is doing and they might just have a chance. We’re all in this together and our actions matter. As Chad said, “You know, we’re not Noah’s Ark saving the whole world. We’re more like a life boat, doing what we can to save a species.”
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If you go:
Clyde Peelings Reptiland – 18628 US Route 15 , Allenwood, PA 17810 570.538.1869
Or search for an AZA accredited aquarium or zoo near you.
If you are going to Indonesia, this post gives you all the info you need if you want to take a live aboard boat out to the islands.
Keep reusable bags in your car, everywhere and give them as gifts. Every little bit helps
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WOW!!! Up close and personal with the most famous lizards on earth. They’re one of my all time favorites. Great article and great photos.
Thanks! Yeah, pretty komodos are one of the coolest reptiles ever! So glad we go to them both in Indonesia and PA! Really neat experience. 🙂
Tiff and Chris, that first photo of Komodo dragon is priceless…”you want a piece of me?”
Kudos to Chad and all people who “get it”…and for those that don’t, keep chipping away
one article, one voice, one picture has been known to change a life. Never give up!!!!
mare
Haha, I know, I know! Reptile Land is awesome and every time I check their web page they are always offering some new, cool and exciting way to engage young people. There is always something going on there and they have a really nice gift shop too! Hopefully komodos will maintain and grow their status and be around for another thousand+ years. 🙂
Komodo Dragons honestly scare me so much – I think it’s their size haha! Your photos are amazing though! #FlyAwayFriday
Kat recently posted…August #tfabookclub: The Year of Living Danishly
Thanks Kat. Surprising a komodo dragon would scare me. Seeing them like this was a controlled and like omg experience for our group. Don’t worry – if you go to Reptile Land they will be behind glass! 🙂 #flyawayfriday
I’m hoping to see the Komodo Dragons when I visit Indonesia next year. It’s crazy to think they eat deer! Quite a scary animal, but so cool. #FlyAwayFriday
Courtney recently posted…Exploring Wellington’s Oriental Bay
Hey Courtney! Oh let us know how it goes!!!I And on a National Geographic show I saw them eat a buffalo too! I hope you get to go! #flyawayfriday 🙂
Awesome post! I was actually just in Flores and took a day trip to Rinca to see the Komodo’s. It was really awesome, and kind of crazy that those giant lizards only live on those few islands!
Natalie recently posted…Comment on Wine Tasting in Santorini by Chloe
Oh nice Natalie! I know what you mean, it is wild to think they only live on these islands naturally in the wild. We just loved boating around that area (save for really wish there was less trash). Glad you got to go too! 🙂 #flyawayfriday
These reptiles look scary but still really cool! Would love to visit this park if one day in Indonesia! Your pictures are amazing #flyawayfriday
Anna recently posted…Blog Story: Netherlands Through American Eyes
Thanks so much Anna! Visiting this park on a live aboard boat was one of the coolest and easiest things ever. Hope you can go! #flyawayfriday
Haha omg those are HUGE!!! I didn’t realize komodo dragons were that big!! Sounds like such a fun adventure and way to spend the afternoon. thank you for sharing on flyawayfriday and can’t wait to see what you share next!
Chloe recently posted…Cute & Cozy in the Mountains with High Sierra
Hey Chloe – yes – they are the largest lizards on the planet! It was great and see you next #flyawayfriday. 🙂
Oh wow, up close and personal with those komodo dragons!! I would be freaked out but also very intrigued, haha! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday!
Kana recently posted…8 Totally Touristy Things To Do in Boston
Hey Kana – I know what you mean, but it was a very calm and controlled situation. A really interesting way to observe this endangered animal in the wild. See you next #flyawayfriday
I’ve been to Reptileland too! Cool place! Komodo Dragons are really incredible. Great photos. I love the colorful one where he is on the prowl.