Story perspectives

Rare Iguana Gives Birth to Clones Without Mating

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A female casque-headed iguana at the Exotic Zoo in Telford, UK, has birthed eight hatchlings through parthenogenesis, without mating.
This rare occurrence results in genetic clones of the mother, now housed in a climate-controlled nursery.
Zoo director Scott Adams noted the unexpected fertile eggs found without male contact.
Parthenogenesis has been observed in some reptiles and other species, including a shark in 2023.
The zoo aims to educate visitors on genetics and conservation through this event.

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Story summary

A female casque-headed iguana at the Exotic Zoo in Telford, UK, has birthed eight hatchlings through parthenogenesis, without mating.
This rare occurrence results in genetic clones of the mother, now housed in a climate-controlled nursery.
Zoo director Scott Adams noted the unexpected fertile eggs found without male contact.
Parthenogenesis has been observed in some reptiles and other species, including a shark in 2023.
The zoo aims to educate visitors on genetics and conservation through this event.