In October 2007 I was lucky to attend a release of 130 juvenile tuatara into Zealandia Sanctuary in Wellington. They had come from Stephens Island. It was an amazing opportunity to get up very close.

survivors of an order of reptiles that thrived in the age of the dinosaurs.

Tuatara, in a person’s hand, facing the camera. Tuatara, in a person’s hand, side view. Tuatara, in a person’s hand, side view, close-up of head. Tuatara, in a person’s hand, face-on, close-up of head.