The Australian Reptile Park is hailing the arrival of 15 eggs this week as an Australian first for their komodo dragon, Daenerys.
Keepers at the NSW Central Coast park risked the potentially fatal venomous bite of the largest living lizard species to retrieve the eggs, giving them the best chance of hatching successfully.
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The eggs will remain under lock and key during their eight-month incubation period, with the temperature to be monitored constantly.
Australian Reptile Park head of reptiles Daniel Rumsey said a lot of work had gone into the breeding program, including ultrasounds to ensure all the eggs had been laid successfully.
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"These are two animals that could potentially kill each other and do some serious damage to us keepers in the process," he said.
"It was a bit touch and go during the initial introductions, however our female became receptive and the two mated successfully."
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle.
