Celebrate World Lizard Day with two extraordinary new arrivals at Ireland’s National Reptile Zoo!

The National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny City is celebrating World Lizard Day, 14^th August with two extraordinary new arrivals, following the birth of Asian water monitor lizards through parthenogenesis, often referred to as ‘virgin birth.’

The new arrivals make this year’s World Lizard Day particularly special for the zoo, with three generations of Asian water monitor lizards now living under one roof. Their mother, Uisce, was born at the National Reptile Zoo 8 years ago to Grandma ‘Pebbles’ and Grandad ‘Bambam.’ 

To mark World Lizard Day, the zoo is inviting families and wildlife enthusiasts to discover the new arrivals and some of the world’s most fascinating reptiles as part of a week-long programme of interactive animal encounters, educational talks, and hands-on experiences. 

Pictured is a baby Asian water monitor lizard at the National Reptile Zoo 

Home to more than 150 animals representing over 60 species from around the world, the National Reptile Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with a colourful collection of lizards, from leopard geckos, bearded dragons and iguanas to Asian water monitor lizards, caiman lizards and many more! 

Speaking on World Lizard Day, and the new arrivals, James Hennessy, Zoo Director at the National Reptile Zoo, said, “World Lizard Day is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the world’s most fascinating animals and to help people discover just how diverse and remarkable lizards really are. This year is particularly special for us with the arrival of two baby Asian water monitor lizards through parthenogenesis, which is an incredibly rare occurrence. As far as we know, parthenogenesis is particularly rare in zoo settings, with only a handful of recorded cases identified in our research. To now have three generations of this species here at the National Reptile Zoo makes their arrival even more exciting for our team.”

Throughout World Lizard Day and this week, every general admission ticket includes access to the zoo's hourly hands-on animal encounters, running from 11am to 5pm each day. Led by experienced zookeepers, these interactive sessions introduce visitors to some of the zoo’s most fascinating animals, including a variety of lizard species. Guests will learn about their behaviour, habitats and the important role they play in ecosystems across the world, while also having the opportunity to get up close to some of the zoo’s non-venomous residents during these hands-on experiences.

Open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm, the zoo welcomes both pre-booked visitors and walk-ins, making it the perfect destination to mark World Lizard Day. Alongside the animal encounters, families can explore the zoo's wide range of exhibits, relax in the on-site coffee shop and enjoy the children's play area, making it an ideal summer day out for visitors of all ages. Tickets can be booked at www.nrz.ie.

To shine a light on these incredible animals, the National Reptile Zoo will be continuing its new ‘Reptile of the Month’ series on Instagram (@thenationalreptilezoo), giving followers the opportunity to discover a different animal each month through fascinating facts, behind-the-scenes content and insights from the zoo’s founder, James Hennessy. Designed to bust common myths and challenge misconceptions, the series aims to inspire curiosity, foster a greater appreciation for these remarkable animals, and highlight the vital role they play in ecosystems around the world. 

Whether you’re a lifelong reptile enthusiast or meeting a lizard for the very first time, World Lizard Day provides the perfect opportunity to visit the National Reptile Zoo, discover these fascinating animals, and learn why they deserve our protection.

For more information, ticket details and opening hours, visit www.nrz.ie

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