The Los Angeles Zoo has successfully hatched two perentie lizards, which are the first of their species to be bred at the zoo.
The perentie lizard, scientifically known as Varanus giganteus, is native to Australia and is considered one of the largest lizard species globally, trailing only behind the Komodo dragon and a few others.
The big picture: The breeding success at the LA Zoo is a significant achievement, as the perentie lizard is rarely seen in zoo settings outside of Australia, and the zoo is among the three accredited institutions by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to have successfully reproduced them.
- This marks the first time in the zoo’s history that the perentie lizard species has been bred, indicating a major milestone for the institution in its conservation and breeding efforts.
- The baby lizards are reportedly in good health, consuming food and receiving close attention from the zoo staff, and they will initially be raised off-exhibit in a controlled environment during their early life stages.
- Zoo visitors can observe the father perentie lizard in the zoo’s Australia section, adjacent to the Komodo dragon habitat, providing an opportunity for education and awareness about these remarkable reptiles.
- Descriptions of adult perentie lizards highlight their impressive size, reaching over 8 feet in length and weighing more than 40 pounds, with distinctive brown skin and carnivorous feeding habits encompassing various prey such as turtle eggs, insects, birds, and small mammals.
