London Zoo's at London Zoo

Reptile keepers at ZSL London Zoo are celebrating the birth of 11 Beaded Lizards.

The arrival of the young reptiles marks the third time running that the Zoo has successfully bred beaded lizards and the babies will immediately become part of a European breeding programme. The beaded lizard is the second most poisonous reptile in the world yet remains vulnerable as a species. There were only three recorded breedings in zoos across Europe and America in 2007 despite being kept at 30 institutions.

The importance of the babies survival s so important that the lizards will not be on display to be public but kept backstage until they are transferred to other zoos next year.

While the babies measure only 22 cm in length they will grow to a staggering 1 metre when fully grown. The lizard gets its name from the small pellets of bone in its skin that look like beads and act like chainmail armour. The beaded lizard is native to Mexico and Guatemala.

ZSL London Zoo is home to many fascinating reptiles and the Reptile House is packed with fun and educational exhibits on the creatures it houses. For those who prefer something with a less scaly skin the Zoo is, of course, home to hundreds of animals and makes for a perfect family day out. Book your tickets completer with an overnight stay in a nearby hotel with Holiday Extras today.

Published By:
Tony Hill