British Zoo Reports Rare Birth Of Eight Fatherless Iguanas

Eight baby iguanas hatched at the Exotic Zoo in Telford, England through parthenogenesis, a rare natural process requiring no male parent. The female casque-headed iguana produced fertilized eggs without ever sharing space with a male of her species. Zoo director Scott Adams called the late August hatchings “one of the rarest events in the animal kingdom.” Adams told CBS News, “When we confirmed the eggs were fertile without any contact with a male, our jaws hit the floor. These babies are essentially mini-mum clones, and seeing them thrive is incredible.” The zoo explained on social media that “these little lizards have no dad at all” and are “genetic clones of their mum.” The baby iguanas are currently in the reptile nursery and will debut publicly soon. Adams told the BBC, “For us, it’s a powerful reminder that life finds a way in the most unexpected circumstances.” (Story URL)