The London Zoo was blamed for a “love fall” that killed a ten-year-old six-foot-long 44lb Komodo dragon in 2004 after she tried to reach her mate on the other side of an eight foot wall.

London Zoo’s curator Dr David Field: “The design of the enclosure was thoroughly researched drawing on the knowledge of the world’s leading reptile experts, but sadly this individual female dragon’s agility far exceed our expectations and research.

“Immediate measures are being put in place to prevent a similar incident happening again and we are carrying out a thorough investigation into what occurred.”

Bu an RSPCA spokesman said: “The full biological needs and abilities of any animals should be fully assessed before they are placed in a captive environment.

The Zoo had spent over one million pounds creating the Komodo house to protect the dragons. Although the zoo curator says they consulted leading experts, Komodos are known for climbing. I suspect a few details were simply overlooked, like the fact that a wall can be dangerous. Only elder Komodos that may grow to be too heavy to support their weight are unable to climb, but the London Komodos were young and acquired for breeding.