Endangered skinks nurtured at Auckland Zoo
Two threatened skink species are thriving at Auckland Zoo.
The cobble and Kapitia species were rescued by the Department of Conservation before separate cyclones hit their homes in the wild.
Zoo staff have managed to grow the cobble skinks' population from 36 to 55 animals.
They have been caring for a quarter of the entire population of Kapitia or Chesterfield skinks to guard against their extinction, zoo staff say.
From 50 animals collected, 11 Chesterfield lizards have been born this year.
Auckland Zoo is working with the Department of Conservation to plan the next stage of the recovery for both species.
Ectotherm keeper Sarah weighs and measures the skinks to check on their growth.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.2% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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21.1% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.3% Keep it as is
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31.5% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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11.4% Anything but fireworks
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Winner winner!
Congratulations to the winners of our $100 Mitre10 vouchers:
Justine Terrill from Mount Albert
Suzette Gibson from Nelson
Soumya Manoj from Lower Hutt
Millie George from Richmond Hill
If you're a winner, get in touch here.
Not a winner this week? There's always next week!
Solve This Riddle or Be Left Scratching Your Head!
With pointed fangs, I sit and wait;
with piercing force, I crunch out fate.
I grab victims, proclaiming might,
and physically join with a single bite.
What am I?
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