Rare species of gecko hatch at Edinburgh Zoo
A rare species of gecko has been bred at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo for the very first time, just in time for Reptile Awareness Day.
Article Source: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Last Updated: 21 October 2023 8:30
A rare species of gecko has been bred at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo for the very first time, just in time for Reptile Awareness Day (Saturday 21 October). The two tiny Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko hatchlings weigh just two grams, which is about the same as a small paper clip.
Keepers at the wildlife conservation charity say the new arrivals are doing well but the first few months are crucial.
Craig Close, senior hoofstock and reptile keeper at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We are thrilled to have successfully hatched two Henkel’s leaf-tailed geckos here at the zoo for the very first time in our charity’s history. The species typically lay between two and four eggs, and females do not care for their young after they hatch.
"We think we have one male and one female, but it is too soon to say for sure. The first few months of their life are critical for their development, so we will be keeping a close eye on our hatchlings at this sensitive time.”
Visitors to the zoo won’t be able to spot the tiny lizards just yet as they will spend the beginning of their lives in an off-show area being monitored by the charity’s keepers. However, their parents can be found in the zoo’s Wee Beasties exhibit.
Henkel’s leaf-tailed geckos are native to Madagascar and identifiable by their unique leaf-shaped tail that helps them camouflage on tree trunks and branches.
Image credit: RZSS
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Bruadar toasts World Bee Day with honey infused cocktails in bars across Scotland
Limited-edition serves launched across top Scottish bars using honey from Aberargie Distillery's resident bees.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird launches search for biggest Stitch fan
Fort Kinnaird is on the hunt to find Edinburgh's biggest Stitch fan ahead of the new Lilo & Stitch live action film coming to screens later this week!
READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
World Surf League Big Wave Pros Make a Splash at Lost Shore Surf Resort
Scottish surfing prodigy Ben Larg and elite big wave surfer Andrew Cotton recently demonstrated their skills at Lost Shore Surf Resort.
READ MORE
Leftfield reopens with new look and menu
Leftfield - the Bruntsfield neighbourhood restaurant by restaurateur Rachel Chisholm and chef Phil White - has reopened its doors following a short period of refurbishment.
READ MORE
Cafe Calton to Open This June on Iconic Calton Hill
This June, Edinburgh will welcome Cafe Calton, a vibrant new day-to-evening venue perched atop the city’s iconic Calton Hill.
READ MORE
Heading Down Under: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo announces Australia and New Zealand Tours
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has announced they will be touring the Show The Heroes Who Made Us in Australia and New Zealand in 2026.
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
Eat & Drink 365 Edinburgh launches today
Eat & Drink 365 Edinburgh, The List’s new publication featuring a treasure trove of dining recommendations, launched today, and is available for free from all good stockists across the capital city.
READ MORE
Legally Blonde The Musical comes to Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse along with producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce a brand-new production of the West End and Broadway smash-hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical.
READ MORE
New pub and restaurant to be the Darling of Edinburgh neighbourhood
The Edinburgh neighbourhood of Stockbridge is set to welcome a bustling new pub and restaurant to Hamilton Place at the end of May.
READ MORE
Free outdoor cinema returns to Edinburgh this June with blockbuster weekend
Edinburgh’s much-loved free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, returns this June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city.
READ MORE
Mindroom launches Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion
Mindroom will launch ‘Thriving Workplaces: A Practical Guide to Neuroinclusion’ with a free-to-attend online event on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 to 11.30am.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood Makes Waves with Art and first floating Sound Therapy in Scotland
The Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood is making waves with the launch of two fresh experiences, inviting guests and locals to enjoy a world of creativity, culture, and wellbeing.
READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK
IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MORE
Edinburgh and the Lothians Best takes home Prestigious Prizes at the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards
Top butchers and bakeries in Edinburgh and the Lothians’ have claimed a variety of much sought-after prizes at the prestigious 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces industry partnership with UNIFIED
Edinburgh International Film Festival and newly formed production outfit UNIFIED have today announced they are partnering on a special strand of events as part of the industry programme.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
Guide Dogs go for a walk on the wild side at Edinburgh Zoo
Two puppies in training to become guide dogs enjoyed a visit to Edinburgh Zoo as part of a new collaboration between Guide Dogs and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Festival Celebrates Record Breaking Youth Participation with 25 Years of Art of Listening Workshops
This year the Edinburgh International Festival’s flagship workshop Art of Listening celebrates 25 years of bringing live classical music to schoolchildren across Edinburgh.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
Rooftop vibes return to Edinburgh city centre
Skyline Sips, Edinburgh’s most exciting rooftop venue, is back for its third year at Level 5, St James Quarter.
READ MORE
A Landmark Year for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo gives audiences an exclusive look behind the drawbridge of its landmark 75th Anniversary Show, The Heroes Who Made Us.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
May and June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Music to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in May and June!
READ MORE
Here & Now showcase returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Here & Now returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe ith a brilliant programme of the best dance, installation, integrated performance, movement and theatre being created in England right now.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 to open with acclaimed SORRY, BABY by Eva Victor
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced Eva Victor’s acclaimed comedy-drama SORRY, BABY will open the Festival in August.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cold Town House in Edinburgh partners with Aperol to transform iconic rooftop bar
Cold Town House in the Grassmarket has teamed up with Italy’s iconic orange bittersweet aperitif, Aperol, to add some spritz to its city centre location from May until September.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links