How to train your Komodo dragon: Sunny the lizard wears a GoPro camera as he runs towards targets at the zoo
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Attempting to tame one of the largest and most fearsome lizards in the world is no easy feat.
But zoo keepers in San Diego have managed to do just that with the help of a GoPro camera to track the progress a 14-year-old Komodo dragon.
The dragon, named Sunny, is a meat-eating, fast-moving predator that can kill large prey with his deadly venom and razor-sharp teeth.
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Fearsome: Attempting to tame one of the largest lizards in the world is no easy feat. But zoo keepers in San Diego have managed to do just that with the help of a GoPro camera to track the progress of Sunny (pictured)
The 9ft (2.7 metre) creature has been taught to walk towards a series of yellow targets, getting a treat if he manages to complete the task successfully.
Despite its terrifying reputation, this Komodo dragon often responds to its keepers call by waddling towards the targets.
As Komodo dragons spend most of their time resting in the sun, the training provides much-needed exercise for Sunny throughout the day.
And once he masters the trick, keepers can ask Sunny to move into a different area of the exhibit.
On target: The 9ft (2.7 metre) creature has been taught to walk towards a series of yellow targets, getting a treat if he manages to complete the task successfully
Poser: Born at the Honolulu Zoo in 2000, Sunny arrived in San Diego six years later and is now one of three Komodo Dragons at the attraction
The training is also helpful if medical attention is needed, as Sunny could voluntarily move without the need for sedation.
Footage from the GoPro camera is currently being used to review the sessions and give an insight into how Sunny sees his training.
Born at the Honolulu Zoo in 2000, Sunny arrived to San Diego six years later and is now one of three Komodo Dragons at the attraction.
Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards in the world.
They are a type of monitor lizard, an ancient reptile species with ancestors that date back more than 100 million years.
Komodo dragons can grow up to 10ft (3 metres) long and weigh up to 176lbs (80kg).
The species has been labelled as 'vulnerable' by conservationists.
There are currently around 6,000 Komodo dragons left in existence and only about 350 breeding females.
In action: Footage from the GoPro camera is currently being used to review the sessions and give an insight into how Sunny sees his training
Endangered: The species has been labelled as 'vulnerable' by conservationists. There are currently around 6,000 Komodo dragons left in existence and only about 350 breeding females
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