SEATTLE - A 7-year-old female Komodo dragon at Woodland Park Zoo was found dead this morning in her exhibit. The 6 foot lizard appeared to be lethargic earlier this week. According to zoo Senior Veterinarian Dr. Janis Joslin, "Preliminary necropsy findings revealed peritonitis caused by a ruptured ovarian follicle and a systemic infection."

The 65-pound dragon, on breeding loan from Cleveland Zoo, was the star attraction last spring when the zoo opened its first-ever Komodo dragon exhibit. A 7-year-old male, her sibling, arrived at the zoo this past fall and lives in one of two exhibits for the species. A juvenile female is off view, but will be moved into the vacant public exhibit.

Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world and highly endangered. In the wild, a large dragon can kill a deer twice its weight or a water buffalo three times its weight. Along with powerful claws and teeth, wild Komodos have toxic saliva that is deadly to their prey. Their adaptability to survive as the top predator on only a few exclusive islands in Indonesia - Komodo, Rinca and Flores - and their hunting prowess have evoked both wonder and awe from throughout the world. Scientists estimate that only about 3,000-4,000 remain in the wild. The dragon continues to be threatened by a burgeoning human population, land development and poaching.

As a scientific and conservation center, Woodland Park Zoo is involved in efforts to preserve this rare reptile species and their habitat by collaborating with the Indonesian government, universities, non-governmental agencies and, most important, local villagers. Donations made by last year's WPZ Jungle Party guests and other individuals, and growing support from Indonesia's local people make this critical conservation project possible.