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Oldest Komodo dragon in captivity dead: Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo shared this photo of Loka, the oldest Komodo dragon in captivity. Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo is mourning the loss of its Komodo dragon, Loka, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 30.

A statement said she arrived from the Toronto Zoo in 2014 and was “under veterinary care as a geriatric animal” during her time in Calgary. Her appetite dropped away in the last 10 days of her life.

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“Loka had become a well-known animal in the Eurasian Gateway building as she was the world’s oldest Komodo dragon in captivity,” said the zoo. “Visitors enjoyed learning about her and often had the opportunity to see her weekly carnivore feeding.”

READ MORE: Calgary Zoo welcomes 3 Humboldt penguin chicks

Loka’s offspring and grand-offspring currently live in other zoos.

Officials said Komodo dragons are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 left in the wild.

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