Two adorable baby lizards have recently hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo, marking a significant milestone as the first of their species to be successfully bred at the facility. These baby lizards belong to the Perentie species, scientifically known as Varanus giganteus, which are native to Australia and are among the largest lizards globally, second only to the Komodo dragon and a select few others.
The zoo curator, expressing his delight, mentioned that breeding this species has been a highly rewarding experience for the team. While the Perentie lizard is not classified as endangered, it is a rare sight in zoo environments outside of Australia.
Out of the three institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that have managed to reproduce Perentie lizards, the LA Zoo stands out as the first to achieve this feat in its history. The baby lizards are reported to be thriving, actively feeding, and under close observation by the dedicated zoo staff. During their initial growth stages, they will be raised in a controlled environment off-exhibit.
Visitors to the zoo can catch a glimpse of the father Perentie lizard in the Australia section, near the Komodo dragon habitat. Adult Perentie lizards can grow to over 8 feet in length and weigh more than 40 pounds. These carnivorous creatures have distinctive brown skin with cream or yellow markings and have a varied diet that includes turtle eggs, insects, birds, other reptiles, and small mammals and marsupials. They are known to consume their prey whole, showcasing their fascinating predatory behavior.
