Bhubaneswar, June 19: In a remarkable achievement, Nandankanan Zoological Park announced the birth of five blue iguana hatchlings on Wednesday, marking the first successful breeding of the species in over three decades. The hatchlings were born in the park’s reptile garden, adding to the blue iguana population, which now stands at 17 individuals, including six males, six females, and the five newborns whose genders are yet to be determined.
Historically, the park had only two adult male blue iguanas, and breeding efforts faced challenges due to inbreeding. In an effort to improve the gene pool and increase the species' chances of survival, the park took proactive measures by introducing new bloodlines.
On August 26, 2024, the park received eight blue iguanas—four males and four females—from Alipore Zoo in Kolkata. Additionally, on November 25, 2024, two female iguanas were transferred from Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. These additions played a crucial role in reducing the risks of inbreeding, enhancing the overall breeding success.
The breakthrough came when one of the female iguanas laid eggs, resulting in the birth of five healthy hatchlings. However, one hatchling fell severely ill, and two others exhibited signs of weakness. These three hatchlings have been quarantined and are undergoing specialized treatment at the park’s veterinary center to ensure their recovery.
The park's conservation efforts for the endangered blue iguana species are being closely watched, as they continue to play a vital role in the species' long-term survival.
