21 December 2021

The festive season is in full swing at London Zoo, and keepers prepared an extra special seasonal surprise for their Komodo dragon – a whole turkey with all the trimmings.

With Santa's visit just days away, Ganas, got his ‘claus’ stuck into a festive feast made up of a huge turkey surrounded by brussels sprouts, parsnips and carrots. Leaving behind all of his vegetables, the 13-year-old dragon, instead focussed on devouring the entire turkey in one sitting.  

London Zoo's Komodo Dragon experience 

The Zoo’s 54-kg dragon requires specialist care from dedicated zookeepers, with everything down to his feeding schedule meticulously planned. Now reptile-enthusiasts can learn just what it takes to look after the world’s biggest lizard with London Zoo’s new Komodo Dragon Experience.  Those taking part will help the Zoo’s expert dragon keepers to create enrichment for Ganas, like a scent trail around his home, and set out his dinner in the enclosure, and then watch as he reaps the rewards! 

Komodo dragon Ganas bites into his turkey Christmas dinner


Dragon keeper, Joe Capon said; “A huge turkey is a dragon’s idea of the perfect festive supper, and this Christmas dinner will keep Ganas full until Boxing Day at least! 
 
“We’ve just launched a brand new experience where guests can get up close and personal with Ganas, and work with us to learn how to be a dragon keeper too. An experience at London Zoo is an awesome Christmas present for the animal lover in your life, and if you’re like me and leave your shopping to the last minute, a gift voucher can be purchased online, so you can order anytime!”   

Attenborough Komodo Dragon House

Joe added: “The Komodo Dragon Experience is a great opportunity to see just how much effort goes into caring for this Endangered species at London Zoo, and how every visit to the zoo is supporting other threatened species around the world – it’s a gift that really gives twice.” 
 
Last month, McFly bassist, Dougie Poynter headed behind-the-scenes of the Attenborough Komodo Dragon House to learn how keeper Joe cares for Ganas, Zoo’s dragon, as part of the new ‘Komodo Dragon Experience’. 
 
Make Christmas extra special this year and give the gift of memories, with a voucher to one of London Zoo’s special 2022 experiences. From the ‘The Komodo Dragon’ experience to an overnight stay at ‘London Zoo Lodges’, guests at these experiences will make memories to last a lifetime. Purchase a gift voucher online now and get the voucher in minutes, the perfect last-minute gift.  

FIND THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE 

  • Dougie Poynter meets Komodo dragon on meet the animal experience
    Perfect gift for reptile lovers

    The Komodo dragon experience

    Ever wondered what it's like to work with a fierce Komodo dragon day to day? Now's your chance to step into a keeper’s shoes and head behind-the-scenes for a truly unique experience for reptile lovers.

  • David Attenborough with Komodo dragon at London Zoo
    Renamed in honour of Sir David Attenborough

    Komodo dragon house

    Home to the largest reptile in world, which David Attenborough opened for us in 2004.

  • King cobra
    The ultimate reptile collection

    Reptile House

    From king cobras to Philippine crocodiles and Chinese Giant salamanders, we have something for every reptile and amphibian lover.

  • Book now to visit our animals at London Zoo
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