Let’s hear it for the old guys. Especially Henry. Henry is a rare tuatara lizard, from New Zealand. He was born in 1897, and is the undisputed oldest father on the planet.
Henry only recently became interested in the opposite sex. For the last 40 years, Henry has been in solitary confinement.
Here’s why: about 40 years ago, he was placed with another female, Mildred. They didn’t get along. He bit off her tail. Twice.
Henry is a very rare reptile from New Zealand. He is a descendant from a species of reptiles that co-existed with dinosaurs over 220 million years ago. Everyone knows what happened to the dinosaur, but not much is known about the tuatara.
Here is a picture of Henry:
During a routine medical exam several years ago it was discovered that Henry had a cancerous growth near his testicles. The tumor was removed and Henry became interested in Mildred. That may be speculation.
What is not speculation is that Henry is now enjoying the company of three other females.
Tuatara curator, Lindsay Hazley, said Henry may mate again, next March. “With these guys, foreplay might take years. One has to be patient.”
You can read the entire story at this link.
More on the story of Henry, the world’s oldest dad, as it develops. But until then, let’s hear it once more for the old guys.
Let’s not forget about some other famous lizards:
Respectfully submitted,
Albert Grande
Bimwah-in-training
Ping Pong Therapy
Remodel Your Kitchen
