I'm sure that the keeper knows what he is doing, but this seems like spectacularly stupid and irresponsible behavior to model for the public. After the LA Komodo dragon ripped up Sharon Stone's husband's foot I'm really surprised to see this happening in San Diego.
I wouldn't want to risk stroking a venomus reptile, I once stroked a tiger cub (rather course I recall) at blakpool zoo UK. I thought that was brave.
I was about 13
I wholeheartedly agree! Perhaps it is the same old story as with other dangerous creatures, as sometimes years go by with nothing serious occurring and then one day there is a savage attack. I just read an article in a Canadian newspaper that stated that pit bulls represent only 3% of all dogs owned in North America but account for close to 55% of all dog attacks. But at the end of the day I know people who own the dogs and swear that they are perfectly harmless. A keeper might pet a Komodo dragon on a daily basis and years will go by with no incidents of note, and then one day the lizard will lunge at him.
I don't condone such contact, but given the fact this was Sunrise stroll, the lighting/heating apparatuses were probably just turned on. Also, due to SD climate, there is no way this animal is up to full operating temperature. Being ectothermic, they need lots of heat to be at such capacity, being such a large-bodied animal. All the factors involved, the animal looks to be operating at minimal temps. Having worked with and owning animals such as varanids, teeids and others, I can honestly say they are never to the point of being tame, but will accept you, especially, if you are the one that brings food. I recall speaking with Trooper and Charles at Smithsonian National Zoo, about KD's, the stories they shared were very insightful, especially, of a certain female named Kraken.
Petting a Komodo dragon my not be safe but it honestly looks fun I wish I could do that !!!, I have worked with monitor lizards before and almost bought a Yellow ackie when I was 15, and I never had trouble with monitors
