An exotic new arrival has been welcomed at one of the region’s most popular zoos - a Komodo dragon.
The three-year-old reptile joined the collection at Colchester Zoo after arriving in East Anglia from Zoo Praha in Prague.
He will be housed within the Dragons of Komodo exhibit as part of a breeding programme for the species.
The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world.
The species is classified as vulnerable on the ICUN Red List.
The number of Komodo dragons has declined in the wild due to the threat of widespread habitat loss and a reduction in prey species.
A zoo spokesman said: “With the new arrival of our male Komodo dragon, we are very pleased that we will be able to take part within the EEP breeding programme and help the conservation and continued existence of this wonderful species.”
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