Zillo Beast

The Zillo Beast was a semi-sentient reptilian-insectoid species endemic to the planet Malastare. In ancient times, these gargantuan creatures preyed upon a native indigenous species, the Dugs. However, the Dugs gradually gained the upper hand and slowly eradicated the Zillo Beasts through various methods, including drilling for fuel in their habitats. By the time of the Clone Wars, it was widely believed that the creatures were extinct, although it was rumored that at least one had survived.

During the Battle of Malastare, the Galactic Republic deployed an electro-proton bomb which immobilized a substantial Separatist invasion force of battle droids. However, the bomb's tremors inadvertently awakened the last Zillo Beast which went on a destructive rampage. Fearing an apocalypse, the Dugs demanded that the Republic exterminate the beast to which the Republic reluctantly agreed. Seeking to obtain the creature for scientific research, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker covertly arranged for the beast to be immobilized by several stun tanks, giving the appearance that it had been killed.

This action succeeded in both rendering the Zillo Beast unconscious, and appeasing the Dugs who believed it to be dead. In return, the Dug Council and the Republic ratified The Treaty of Malastare that allowed the Republic access to the planet's fuel reserves. The Zillo Beast was shipped to the galactic capital Coruscant for scientific study but escaped after arrival, putting the lives of millions of residents at risk and forcing the Jedi into action. They eventually managed to kill the Zillo beast, but its body was kept and Palpatine ordered an attempt to clone it.

Text and facts from the “Zillo Beast/Legends” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.