MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Komodo dragon at the Memphis Zoo is expected to make a full recovery after swallowing a shoe that was reportedly thrown into its exhibit by a guest earlier today.

According to zoo officials, the shoe was tossed over the glass barrier, prompting the curious dragon to approach and ingest it. The zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams responded quickly, immobilizing the reptile and transporting it to the zoo’s animal hospital, where the shoe was safely removed.

“This is an important reminder to never throw anything into our animal exhibits,” the zoo stated in a release.

Officials emphasized that zoo animals are fed carefully managed diets and should never be given outside food—or items. Guests are urged to alert staff immediately if they notice any foreign objects in an enclosure.

Source: Memphis Zoo