Natureland Zoo Natureland Zoo News

Natureland hatched seven Tuatara back in November of last year.

Full article: Seven baby tuatara surprise Natureland

Seven baby tuatara have hatched at Natureland – possibly for the last time at the wildlife park.

Manager Stephen Standley says the tuatara hatched in late November and came as a welcome surprise, although they do not plan on breeding any more.

“It was a completely natural incubation and definitely a first since the Natureland Wildlife Trust started operating Natureland in 2013,” he says.

Zookeeper Toni Gordon is tasked with monitoring the new additions and has been measuring and weighing them monthly.

At the seven-month check they weighed in at between 4 and 6 grams and lengths varied in size from 115 to 120mm.

Female tuatara only breed once every two to five years, taking up to three years to provide an egg with yolk and another seven months to grow the shell. They then dig a hole in the ground, lay their clutch, and bury them them for another 12 to 15 months before hatchlings emerge and dig their way out of the ground.

It was only at this point that Natureland staff realised they had the new additions – Toni saying it was an “interesting surprise”.

“I was feeding the locusts to the adults and one jumped out of my hand, in the corner of my eye I saw movement and assumed it was the locust but when I looked closer it was a baby tuatara.”

“I counted three that day and thought ‘wow, that’s great’, but by the end of the week we had found the seven.”

She says they searched everywhere in the enclosure for signs of where they had hatched but could not find the site.

The females have since been separated from the male, and the new-borns have their own enclosure, which is on display to the public.

The gender of the hatchlings is determined by the heat at incubation. Cooler soil temperatures will produce females and warmer temperatures produce males. It is for this reason that tuatara are increasingly threatened by human-induced factors, such as global warming.

The tuatara at Natureland are cared for in partnership with Ngāti Koata for education and advocacy purposes and, while they have been in brumation for the winter, you can expect to see the young group out and about during the day as the weather warms.
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New Masterplan for Natureland Zoo

Nelson’s Natureland Zoo is looking to the future with a bold “master plan” which could see what it says would be the first zoo in the world to adapt for climate change.

These adaptations include the possibility of constructing raised buildings, and even “floating” animal enclosures to protect against tidal events.

It is seeking $300,000 in seed funding from the city council.

Full article and photos of the master plan here: Natureland present vision for bold climate change 'master plan'
 
A few updates from Natureland's social media:

*1.1 Kaka recently moved to Invercargill. Natureland currently have 2.2 remaining kaka with the hope to produce more offspring for the breed-for-release programme: "Recently we said goodbye to Rata and Betty - one of our three pairs of breeding kākā. We’re happy to see them doing well, and intergrating down in the aviaries in Invercargill. Breed for release programmes require a lot of cooperation, and conservation organisations are always working together for the best outcomes for the species involved. Two pairs of kākā remain in our conservation aviaries, with the hope of breeding offspring that will be released into the Abel Tasman National Park."

*Four Yellow-fronted Kakariki were recently released: "We're proud to support the conservation of our local fauna! In supporting @projectjanszoon, we successfully bred four yellow crowned kākāriki, who have been released into Puangiangi island in the Marlborough Sounds. Our kākāriki were amongst 45 birds released over the last few weeks, and we're happy to see the birds thriving in their release site, being active and foraging for native fruits and berries. Come visit Conservation Corner to meet some other breed-for-release birds who may have wild offspring in the future."
 
Construction on the new butterfly enclosure is well underway. From their social media:

"Have you seen the mysterious new construction happening in our back paddocks? We have an exciting new project underway that will see a few more butterflies both inside and outside the new enclosure very shortly. Built with help from our handy volunteer, Mike. We have been grateful to receive support from sponsors including HTL Group (timber), and Bay Landscapes and Garden Centre (fish compost) who have helped us overcome material supply issues. Thank you! Stay tuned."
 
On May 1st, 2022, the zoo announced that their (0.3) Damara sheep named Ziggy, Zoe, and Zola were transferred to a local farm.

Natureland Wildlife Trust

On May 14th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.0.2) domestic rabbits (breed(s) not specified) named Beebee and Snoopy.

Natureland Wildlife Trust

On September 16th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.3) Nigerian dwarf goats. They were later named Tujuka, Ijemma, and Orisa.

Natureland Wildlife Trust
Natureland Wildlife Trust

On December 6th, the zoo announced they acquired (2.0) domestic yaks which were later named Koshi and Momo.

Natureland Wildlife Trust
Natureland Wildlife Trust

On January 10th, 2023, the zoo announced that (2.1) Nigerian dwarf goats were born and later named George, Pickle, and Mavis.

Natureland Wildlife Trust
Natureland Wildlife Trust
Natureland Wildlife Trust

On February 11th, 2022, the zoo announced that (0.0.280) Monarch butterflies were released inside the facility.

Since Monday over 280 Monarch butterflies have been released around the park, including a small number in our Native Bird Aviary! Come for a visit and... | By Natureland Wildlife Trust | Facebook

On February 24th, the zoo announced that their (1.0) New Zealand scaup named Pippi passed away at ~16 years of age.

Natureland Wildlife Trust

On June 1st, the zoo announced they named their (0.0.2) Brazillian agouti Davi and Aurora.

Natureland Wildlife Trust

On October 27th, it was reported that the zoo experienced several break-ins in the prior 3 weeks which includes multiple enclosures breached and animals released, and (1.1) eastern water dragons named Scauldron and Marge were stolen.

On November 20th, the zoo announced they reacquired Scauldron after he was found sitting on a fence. On January 3rd, 2023, the zoo announced they reacquired Marge after she was found within the grounds of the facility.

Water dragons stolen from wildlife trust in baffling series of break-ins
Natureland Wildlife Trust
Natureland Wildlife Trust

On February 2nd, the zoo announced that a (0.1) Indian peafowl named Ginny passed away at age 14.

Natureland Wildlife Trust
 
WhistlingKite24 said:
Five Meerkat pups have been born to new pairing Jooby and Gamba. Apparently they are the only current breeding pair of Meerkats in New Zealand - reported on their FB page.
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Auckland and Hamilton’s meerkat populations have each dwindled to two males. Auckland are looking at bringing in more and breeding them I believe. They have two exhibits, with one previously shared with Cape porcupine.
 
On November 7th, the zoo announced they transferred 2+ tuataras to The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary to be released into the wild.

5.5K views · 107 reactions | We said goodbye to some of our Tuatara the other day. They’re off to their new home at the The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and we could not be happier. Ngā mihi nui Ngāti Koata Trust tēna koutou! So grateful for this wonderful community that helps us look after taonga species. ❤️ #wildlife #conservation #culture #healing #naturelandwildlifetrust aotearoa #tewaipounamu | Natureland Wildlife Trust

On November 28th, the zoo announced they (alongside several partners) released 2+? New Zealand kākās into the wild.

7K views · 101 reactions | Another bird release! Natureland Wildlife Trust are partners in several breed for release programs in Aotearoa. Today we journeyed to the Able Tasman to see Kākā that we have cared for, released into the wild. This taonga species is unlike any other and we are so grateful to have them entrusted in us and able to witness these kinds of sights. This here, this is why we do what we do at the zoo. Proud partners with @projectjanszoon ❤️#conservation #inspirational #naturelandwildlifetrust #nzbirds | Natureland Wildlife Trust

On January 7th, 2025, it was reported that the zoo (alongside several partners) released 3 more New Zealand kākās into the wild in December.

Major milestone as Abel Tasman National Park's kākā population grows

On November 10th, the zoo announced that 2+ yellow-crowned parakeets hatched.

2K views · 87 reactions | ✨ Exciting News from Natureland Wildlife Trust! ✨We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of several new Yellow-crowned Kākāriki chicks! These adorable little ones are a huge success for our breeding for release program, coordinated by Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre , and we couldn’t be more excited about their future in the wild! A big THANK YOU to our generous sponsor, Winstone Aggregates NZ, whose support is crucial in making these programs possible. Their contribution helps us protect and restore this endangered species, and we are incredibly grateful to have them as part of our team. If you’re interested in supporting one of our breeding programs, animals, or educational initiatives, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out via our website to learn more about how you can help make a difference. #YellowCrownedKakariki #ConservationSuccess #WildlifeProtection #SupportLocalWildlife #NaturelandWildlifeTrust #WinstoneAggregates #PūkahaNationalWildlifeCentre #BreedForRelease #SaveOurSpecies #EnvironmentalStewardship | Natureland Wildlife Trust

On December 18th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (0.1) slender-tailed meerkat to Hamilton Zoo in November.

Auckland Zoo

On February 15th, 2025, the zoo announced they moved their (0.1) bearded dragon (species not specified) named Tiwi from a behind-the-scenes enclosure to now on display next to the juvenile tuataras.

Natureland Wildlife Trust

On February 19th, the zoo announced they built a new exhibit for their (1.0) green iguana which is now open to the public.

1.2K views · 34 reactions | The wait is up!!! Are you as excited as us about Iggy moving into his new enclosure? Tomorrow morning at around 10am you’ll be able to see Iggy, our green iguana, in his new home! See you there! #naturelandwildlifetrust #iguana #wildlife | Natureland Wildlife Trust
1.9K views · 53 reactions | New green iguana enclosure alert!! Special thanks to our volunteers and staff that made this move possible, we couldn’t do it without you! And to the public and community who support us in so many ways, Ngā mihi nui! Come visit today and see Iggy in his new home. #greeniguana #iguana #nature #naturelandwildlifetrust #conservation #explorenz #wildlife | Natureland Wildlife Trust

On February 23rd, it was announced that the zoo received a $7,000 donation that will go towards renovations on one of its playgrounds.

Natureland Wildlife Trust
 
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