Memphis Zoo Komodo Dragon expected to make full recovery after eating shoe thrown into exhibit

A Memphis Zoo komodo dragon underwent successful surgery Thursday to remove a shoe thrown into it's exhibit by a visitor, that it had eaten.

According to Zoo staff, Ophelia the komodo dragon is expected to make a full recovery, thanks to a zoo visitor that alerted them.

Staff said they were able to quickly get Ophelia to veterinary teams at the Zoo animal hospital, where the shoe was successfully removed.

They stress that the animals have their own specific diets, and they ask visitors to please not feed them food, shoes, or anything at all.

They went on to say that the animals get lots of tasty treats and good food every day.

Also, the staff reminds visitors to the Memphis Zoo, or any zoo, that if anything in an exhibit looks like it doesn't belong, to please find the nearest staff member and alert them.

PHOTO: Memphis Zoo, courtesy