The Cincinnati Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of a brand-new addition to the household of armadillo lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus). After a gestation interval of six to eight months, the most recent child was born and is now underneath the cautious care of its mom—who we hope may even take an energetic function in elevating and feeding this infant!
The Zoo’s journey with these fascinating reptiles started in November 2019, when 5 armadillo lizards have been confiscated at CVG Airport whereas being illegally smuggled into america from South Africa. Since their rescue, our crew has been dedicated to offering them with one of the best care attainable.
This week’s start marks the third profitable armadillo lizard start right here on the Cincinnati Zoo! The earlier infants have been born in March 2020 and October 2022. We’re proud to be one in every of solely three zoological establishments within the U.S.—and one in every of simply eleven worldwide—that look after and preserve this unbelievable species.
Armadillo lizards are listed as Threatened by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They face important challenges to their survival, primarily as a result of unlawful assortment for the pet commerce, habitat loss, and the influence of local weather change.
We invite you to go to the “Dragons” habitat to catch a glimpse of the brand new child, who is definitely recognizable by its smaller measurement in comparison with the grownup lizards. Don’t miss this opportunity to satisfy one of many world’s most original reptiles and be taught extra about our efforts to guard them!
