Henry the Tuatara (Reptile) Becomes a Father at 111

Henry the tuatara has become a father at the grand old age of 111. In case you may not know, tuatara, which can only be found in New Zealand, are rare reptiles whose direct ancestors roamed the Earth with dinosaurs over 200 million years ago.

According to the BBC, Henry the tuatara mated with 80-year-old Mildred (a mere youngster) last July at the Southland Museum in the South Island city of Invercargill, where the frisky Henry has been a resident since 1970. Henry the tuatara's revitalized virility is attributed to the recent removal of a tumor from his hind quarters. Since the operation, Henry's disposition, which was once considered to be rather foul, has become much sunnier. His dalliance with Mildred is certainly proof of that. Zoo curators say that 11 of the eggs Mildred produced have hatched.

Tuatara and other native animals of New Zealand

Henry the frisky tuatara is not the only creature that can only be found in New Zealand. The country boasts a plethora of native birds, fish, frogs, lizards and insects. For instance, the world's only flightless parrot, the kakapo, makes its home exclusively in New Zealand. Sadly, there are only 90 of these magnificent birds left in the wild. Hence, they are considered a critically endangered species.

A number of frogs are New Zealand natives. According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation's website, New Zealand's native frogs do not "croak regularly like most frogs." In addition, New Zealand's native frogs have changed very little during the last 70 million years. They tend to be small, nocturnal and well camouflaged. The website notes that three of the remaining species "live on land in shady, moist forested areas, and one is semi-aquatic, living on stream edges."

New Zealand claims 35 native fish species. One of the is the bluegill bully, which boasts leopard-like spots on its cheeks and a unique blue gill membrane. Another is the common smelt, which is also know as the "cucumber fish."

Of all New Zealand's magnificent native critters, none is as famous as Henry the tuatara. Siring a child at the age of 111 is no easy feat, and any creature - human or otherwise - that manages to do so is sure to make the headlines. Thus, to his native New Zealanders, Henry the tuatara ought to be a source of great pride and joy.

Sources:

Reptile becomes a father, at 111, BBC, January 26, 2009

Native Animals, doc.gov.nz