Water Buffalo Carcass – Asian

Australian Reptile Park – Asian water buffalo carcass for Komodo dragon exhibit- “Komodo’s Dinners” had to be made in fibreglass as the real Komodo dragons in the exhibit would have ripped the carcass to pieces.

The Australian Reptile Park features a replica water buffalo carcass in its Komodo dragon exhibit to enhance the habitat’s realism. This is an artificial structure, not a real one, and is part of the theming for the large lizard enclosure, which also includes murals and artificial trees.

• Purpose: The buffalo carcass is a prop designed to create an immersive and authentic environment for the Komodo dragons, which are known to consume large prey in their natural habitat.
• (Note: Asian Buffalow has Long, crescent-shaped horns that sweep outward and back, rather than forward)
• Designed for Asian habitats — horns, skull structure, and built customised for Bubalus bubalis, not African buffalo (Syncerus caffer).
• Exhibit features: The replica is part of a larger exhibit that features a Balinese-inspired design, with artificial rocks, trees, and murals that complete the scene.

“Why not an African buffalo?”
Because Komodo dragons and other Southeast Asian predators rarely interact with African prey species. We custom-built the horns and skull angles to match the Asian water buffalo — right down to the curvature and boss shape- Though this is a carcass and is meant to look like the buffalo has fallen where it has died.