New Tuatara Hatchlings On The Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

29TH September 2006

New Tuatara Hatchlings On The Way At Rainbow Springs Nature Park

There may be up to eight tuatara born at Rainbow Springs Nature Park if the eggs currently being carried by a female tuatara, are successfully hatched.

Recent x-rays taken of the three female tuatara - Dunlop, Fa Fa and Honey - revealed that Honey is gravid (carrying eggs). Honey is carrying up to eight eggs. It is expected the eggs will be laid sometime between late October and late December. The hatchings will reveal themselves after a subsequent incubation period.

"We are optimistic that the eggs will mature and successfully hatch, however tuatara incubation is a delicate process" says Steve Tregilgas, Operations Manager, Rainbow Springs Nature Park.

Rainbow Springs Nature Park has five adult and seven juvenile tuatara and is actively involved in the Captive Breeding Program.

To enhance the care and protection of the endangered pre-historic species the company has entered into a sponsorship arrangement with Gordon Meyer and Lou Reading of Tuatara Realty Ltd, trading as Go Gecko Property Sales. It is a first for both parties and it formally commences from Sunday 1 October.

The sponsorship arrangement will assist Rainbow Springs Nature Park with the overall care and protection of the tuatara; including their food, maintenance of their enclosure, regular animal health checks, and scientific data collection. This support is integral to the overall health and well being of the tuatara and ultimately the success of the breeding program. In addition, the sponsorship arrangement will assist in providing additional educational information.

"We are delighted to contribute towards such an important program in keeping with the Go Gecko community ethic and also to provide a free Rainbow Springs Local Card to all purchasers through Go Gecko," say Gordon and Lou who are looking forward to being proud grand-parents!

"It is the first time we have entered into a sponsorship arrangement for our tuatara and it's pleasing a local firm has become a partner with us in this way," adds Rob Finlayson, Sales and Marketing Manager for Rainbow Springs Nature Park.

ENDS

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