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L.A. Zoo Celebrates Historic Success Breeding Perentie Lizards

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Rithani

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5 min read

04 Jan, 2025

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The Los Angeles Zoo has achieved a historic milestone by successfully breeding the rare perentie lizard for the first time.


Native to Australia, perenties are among the largest lizards in the world, second only to species like the Komodo dragon and Asian water monitor.


This achievement makes the L.A. Zoo one of only three Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institutions outside of Australia to have successfully bred this species.


Byron Wusstig, the zoo’s acting curator of ectotherms, shared his pride in this significant achievement, highlighting that while the species is not endangered, it is seldom seen in zoos outside its native Australian habitat.


The baby lizards are reportedly thriving and are being carefully monitored by staff in a controlled environment off-exhibit to ensure their health and development during their early stages of life.


About Perentie Lizards


Image source: Los Angeles Zoo


Perentie lizards, known for their impressive size and striking appearance, can grow over 8 feet long and weigh more than 40 pounds.


Their brown skin, adorned with cream or yellow markings, makes them a distinctive presence in the animal kingdom.


These carnivorous reptiles have a diverse diet, preying on turtle eggs, insects, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and marsupials. They rely on their sharp eyesight and highly sensitive tongues to track prey.


Once caught, they use their powerful jaws and muscles to shake their prey violently before swallowing it whole.


The successful breeding of perentie lizards at the Los Angeles Zoo highlights the importance of zoos in preserving and studying rare species.


This accomplishment not only contributes to global zoological knowledge but also brings attention to these fascinating creatures that are rarely seen outside their native Australia.


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