Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo has been granted $3,650 from the Mazda Foundation for assistance with food, medicine and habitat costs for its Tuatara conservation programme.

Tuataras are native to New Zealand but have become endangered as a result of introduced predators. The unique lizards have a long life span and in some cases can live up to 150 years-old. This long lifespan means that Tuataras require a consistent level of funding to continue care, research and develop effective breeding programmes.

The conservation programme aims to give the Tuatara the best possible chance of survival for generations to come and provides learning opportunities for visitors.

The zoo recently celebrated its 100th anniversary of raising awareness of the native Tuatara and in 2012 successfully bred and raised five new born Tuataras.