Invercargill’s Beloved Tuatara Ace Biannual Health Checks, Ensuring a Thriving Population

Invercargill’s cherished tuatara recently underwent routine health evaluations, akin to the customary Plunket checks for New Zealand’s infants. The city hosts a variety of tuatara, with the venerable Henry being the oldest, his age estimated between 100 to 150 years. Invercargill City Council’s Caroline Rain revealed that the recent biannual health assessments, informally termed ‘Plunket checks’, showed all tuatara in good health, courtesy of the expertise from the Living Species Officers.

Rain emphasized the Parks team’s dedication to the well-being of these ancient reptiles, which are integral to Invercargill’s identity. Previously residing at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, the tuatara have been relocated temporarily amid the ongoing museum reconstruction under Project 1225. This initiative includes crafting a new specialized enclosure for the tuatara at the Queens Park animal reserve, envisioned by Studio 4 and slated for completion by mid-2024.

Collaboration with various tuatara facilities, local iwi and Ngāi Tahu – as well as Wellington Zoo and the Tuatara Recovery Group, is ongoing to enhance the enclosure design and update care guidelines. Living Species Officer Jessey Beattie-Mackey shares the rewarding experience of working with the tuatara, despite the challenges faced during the hands-on health evaluations which include capturing the tuatara safely, checking microchips, and taking precise measurements amidst their occasional restlessness.

The new enclosure will offer an enriching experience for visitors, who will be able to observe the tuatara and the health check procedures through a public viewing window, besides exploring other facilities like a bug station and a hospital pen within the enclosure.