Auckland Zoo Auckland Zoo: Vets launch Operation Zoo

[Simon Hampel]

From nzherald.co.nz:

Vets launch Operation Zoo

Vets at Auckland Zoo will soon be on show just like the animals, so visitors with a strong stomach can watch them operating on some of New Zealand's rarest species.

A major fundraising drive is under way for the zoo's new Centre for Conservation Medicine, to be opened by next year.

Included in $4.6 million research facility plans are glassed-in viewing rooms for the public to watch kiwi, native frogs and tuatara undergoing medical tests and even surgery.

... (more)

 

[Nigel]

unique to NZ

.... the article made mention of a tuatara .
For those of you who dont know this animal , it looks like a bit like a water dragon dressed in armour plating . Most people think they are a lizard , but in reality they are the last of the dinosaurs . Despite their looks , they are very soft skinned . The nearest relative/s of the tuatara have all died out . As these creatures are so rare , little is known about them . For all we know , they could live for hundreds of years .....
They do not have teeth , but a sharp groove on one jaw that fits snugly into the other jaw . Generally they are placid , but if they bite they dont let go in a hurry , and apparently their grip is very strong .