Toronto Zoo announces new names for Komodo Dragon siblings

We now know what to call two Komodo Dragon siblings that arrived at the Toronto Zoo two weeks ago.

After seeking input from the public on new names for the four-year-old reptiles, the zoo has settled on Raya for the female and Komo, short for for Komodo, for the male.

“The name Raya, means great or greatness, and is derived from the Malay language and is also widely used in Indonesia,” the zoo said in a news release issued Tuesday.

“Raya has spent a lot of time in the last week scurrying around her habitat and has discovered a great vantage point up in a tree – a great way to keep an eye on guests and visitors while remaining hidden!”

As for Komo, he will remain in the Wildlife Health and Science Centre but will soon begin rotating into the habitat.

“Both Komodos are still getting used to their new spaces and remain quite shy around people,” the news release continued.

“While they may not be viewable at all times as they learn to shift in and out of their habitat, if you plan to visit, quiet voices will heighten your chances of seeing these colourful young individuals!”

The zoo noted that Komodo dragons are listed as Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and there are believed to be fewer than 3,500 in the world.

“They face serious threats from habitat loss, climate change, and declining prey populations across their native range in Indonesia,” the release continued.