Komodo Dragon Blissfully Enjoys Tender Sponge Bath

A Komodo dragon in residence at Perth Zoo has been treated to a little tender loving care as part of a program to keep the animal happy and healthy as it grows.

While Komodo dragons release venom that slowly kills the lizard’s prey, Raja, a young male of the species, could not have been more relaxed as he was washed and scrubbed by a keeper at the zoo.

According to an article published by the zoo, this loving treatment is a way to ensure Raja grows up with a close connection to zoo staff, so that they will be able to care for him with minimum risk.

He even let out a “low grumbling noise” not dissimilar to a cat’s purr as keeper Matt Ricci brushed his scaly skin, said Perth Zoo spokesperson Melissa Leo. Credit: Facebook/Perth Zoo via Storyful