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Southland Museum Tuatara

The Southland Museum in Invercargill holds a breeding stock of Tuatara, some of which are kept in a 200 square metre enclosure for public viewing.

Tuatara news

• Tuatara becomes 1st time Dad at 111 years old

Last of its kind
Tuatara are rare, medium-sized reptiles found only in New Zealand. They are the only existing members of the Order Sphenodontia, which was well represented by many species during the age of the dinosaurs, 200 million years ago. All species apart from the tuatara declined and eventually became extinct about 65 million years ago.

Moa's ark
A tuatara fossil found in the South Island recently suggests that ancestors of the present day tuatara covered the Zealandia landmass as it split from Gondwana 82 million years ago. International scientists say the discovery supports the "Moa's Ark" theory that some parts of New Zealand have always stayed above the sea surface.

Wildife highlights: Tuatara are the only exhibit, but they are virtually impossible to see in the wild.

Opening hours: The museum is open 8.30 - 17.00 every day except Christmas.

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