Now it is time for them sit back and relax — though some have been doing that for many, many years.
The new home for Invercargill’s Tuatara was officially opened yesterday as part of the new museum development.
Mana whenua presented the gifted name Te Moutere-Tuatara Island at the formal opening ceremony attended by representatives from Ngāti Koata and Te Ātiawa, the Department of Conservation, key stakeholders, Invercargill city councillors and staff.
Invercargill City Council parks performance manager Kate Gough said Te Moutere referenced the tuatara’s ancestral homelands of two isolated islands at the top of the South Island.
"The new enclosure is a place where the tuatara can truly thrive," Gough said
Cr Grant Dermody officially opened the facility, acknowledging the appeal of the new enclosure would have for both locals and visitors.
"This facility enhances our guardianship of them." he said.
The Southland Museum and Art Gallery received its first live tuatara in 1961.
Henry, the oldest at more than 110 years old, holds the world record for living in captivity at more than 46 years.
All the ancient reptiles needed to be relocated from their home in the city museum to make way for its demolition.
Ms Gough said the new enclosure had been designed to encourage natural behaviour such as climbing, basking and digging.
It included a hospital bed for specialist care and burrows for the tuatara to retreat to.
A public open day will take place today from 10am to 1pm to showcase the facility.
