Reptile Discovery Center staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) campus in Washington, D.C., are mourning the loss of Murphy, a 26-year-old male Komodo dragon who died Dec. 23, 2024. The median life expectancy for male Komodo dragons in human care is about 20 years. The Reptile Discovery Center team fondly remembers Murphy as a very charismatic individual, whose laid-back personality and gentle nature earned him “icon” status at the Zoo. Murphy’s curiosity often led him to engage with visitors near the glass of his habitat, which made him a crowd favorite. Zoo visitors can see a young male Komodo dragon named Onyx at the Reptile Discovery Center.
In 2019, Reptile Discovery Center keepers noticed Murphy seemed to have difficulty climbing over small objects in his habitat and was reluctant to explore areas with steeper inclines. Zoo veterinarians examined Murphy, and radiographs revealed arthritis in both of his knees and his right elbow. The animal care team turned to an innovative treatment—one that is typically used in dogs—to block the inflammation and ease Murphy’s discomfort, lessening the need for pain-relieving medications. This in combination with other therapies helped stabilize Murphy’s symptoms for many years.
On Dec. 13, keepers noticed a change in Murphy’s demeanor; the typically food-motivated dragon refused his diet items, appeared to have difficulty swallowing and was lethargic. To treat his symptoms, Zoo veterinarians administered supportive care, including antibiotics, fluid therapy, appetite stimulant and antinausea medications. Concerned that Murphy’s symptoms continued to progress, animal care staff anesthetized Murphy and conducted a diagnostic exam Dec. 23 to further evaluate his condition. It revealed Murphy’s degenerative joint disease had progressed in his knees, elbow and ankles, and fluid had accumulated around his heart. Due to Murphy’s advanced age, poor prognosis and declining quality of life, animal care staff made the decision to euthanize him.
