LA Zoo hatches first-ever perentie lizards, one of largest lizard species in the world

Two new perentie lizards have hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo, the first of their species to be bred there. According to zoo officials Thursday, the lizards are doing well, eating, and being closely observed by staff. Perentie lizards, or Varanus giganteus, are native to Australia and one of the world’s largest lizards, dwarfed only by the Komodo dragon and a few others. The LA Zoo is one of only three accredited zoo institutions that have successfully reproduced them. It is the first time the zoo has bred the perentie lizard species in its history.