Ep 5. Hungry, Hungry Dragons

In the fifth episode of Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa Season 1, entitled "Hungry, Hungry Dragons," viewers get an intimate look at the care and feeding of some of the zoo's most fascinating and enigmatic creatures: Komodo dragons.

The episode begins with a staff meeting, where zoo director Dr. Larry Killmar warns his team of the upcoming arrival of Hurricane Irma. With powerful winds and heavy rains on the way, the staff must quickly prepare the animals and the facilities for the storm.

Once the storm has passed, the Komodo dragons become the focus of the episode. These ancient, fearsome reptiles are often shrouded in myth and mystery, but the Tampa Zoo's resident dragons provide a rare opportunity to see them up close.

The first dragon we meet is Bubba, a 17-year-old male who weighs in at over 150 pounds. Keepers explain that Komodo dragons are carnivorous and that they eat mainly meat, although they will occasionally eat eggs, birds, and other small prey. Bubba is fed a rabbit, and we watch as he expertly devours the entire animal, fur, bones and all. The keepers explain that this is normal for Komodo dragons, who have incredibly strong jaws and digestive systems that can handle even the toughest of foods.

The next dragon we meet is Olive, a female who is eight years younger than Bubba. Olive weighs in at around 90 pounds, but keepers explain that she is just as powerful and formidable as her male counterpart. We watch as keepers enter her enclosure to feed her, carefully dangling pieces of meat on the end of a long pole. The keepers explain that this is necessary for safety reasons, as Komodo dragons are very dangerous and can react aggressively if they feel threatened.

We also get a glimpse of the zoo's newest Komodo dragon, a young male named Uno. Uno is still growing and has not yet reached his full size, but he already shows signs of the impressive strength and agility that will make him a formidable predator.

In addition to the dragons, the episode also showcases some of the other animals in the zoo, including a baby sloth and a pair of playful otters. We also see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into caring for the animals, from preparing food to cleaning enclosures to providing medical care when necessary.

Overall, "Hungry, Hungry Dragons" offers an engaging and informative look at the Komodo dragons and the staff who care for them. The episode combines fascinating animal behavior with insight into the dedicated work that goes into running a modern zoo. Whether you're a fan of reptiles or just enjoy learning about wildlife, this episode is sure to both entertain and educate.