Tuatara Collection

Australian wildlife, lithograph, published in 1897
Australian wildlife: 1) Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus); 2) Tree-kangaroo; 3) Tasmanian tiger, or Tasmanian wolf (Thylacinus cynocephalus)

Hatteria punctata, great fringed lizard of New Zealand. Illustration taken from The Lizards of Australian and New Zealand by Gray, John Edward (1800-1875)

DDE-90026475
Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand Date: 18/01/2007

DDE-90026433
Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) with Identification Tag, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand Date: 22/06/2006

A Tuatara, lying in front of a rock, at London Zoo in 1928 (b / w photo)
3703971 A Tuatara, lying in front of a rock, at London Zoo in 1928 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British

A Cook Strait, or Northern Tuatara at London Zoo, c. 1923 (b / w photo)
2652634 A Cook Strait, or Northern Tuatara at London Zoo, c.1923 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British

Colonial and Indian Exhibition, New Zealand (engraving)
1624704 Colonial and Indian Exhibition, New Zealand (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Colonial and Indian Exhibition, New Zealand)

A Tuatara, lying on a rock, at London Zoo in 1929 (b / w photo)
3822568 A Tuatara, lying on a rock, at London Zoo in 1929 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British, out of copyright

A Tuatara at London Zoo in 1928 (b / w photo)
3703970 A Tuatara at London Zoo in 1928 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British, out of copyright

A Tuatara at London Zoo in 1927 (b / w photo)
3601573 A Tuatara at London Zoo in 1927 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942); Zoological Society of London; eZoological Society of London; British, out of copyright

EyeUbiquitous_20100510
New Zealand, North Island, Rotorua Thermal Pools with Maori girls in traditional dress

Two Tuatara on a black background
Two Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) close together on a black background, Wellington Zoo; Wellington City, Wellington, New Zealand

Hatteria or tuatara, a living-fossil reptile native to New Zealand.. Colour printed illustration by Heinrich Harder from Tiere der Urwelt Animals of the Prehistoric World, 1916, Hamburg

Gephyrosaurus is an extinct animal from the Early Jurassic period
Gephyrosaurus is an extinct Rhynchocephalian from the Early Jurassic period of Wales

Clevosaurus, a prehistoric reptile similar to the modern tuatara
Clevosaurus, a prehistoric reptile that is similar to the modern tuatara

Archaeothyris is a synapsid from the Late Carboniferous Period of Canada
Archaeothyris florensis is an extinct synapsid from the Late Carboniferous Period of Canada

Priosphenodon is an extinct Rhynchocephalian from the Late Cretaceous period

New Zealand, South Island, Invercargill, Tuatararium, Tuatara, Captive

Tuatara (Sphenodon Punctatus), side view

Reptiles from New Zealand
Descriptions of two hitherto unrecorded species of Reptiles from New Zealand. Passage taken from The Zoological Miscellany by John Edward Gray, 1831

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) Close-up of head

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) Henry, adult male, over one hundred years old, Southland Museum, Invercargill, South Island, New Zealand

Tuatara - at burrow entrance
PJM-21 TUATARA - at burrow entrance Sphenodon punctatus Pete & Judy Morrin Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway

Tuatara lizard. Rainbow Springs North Island New Zealand. Sphenodon is an ancient survivor from the Juassic period
MAB-497 Tuatara lizard Rainbow Springs North Island New Zealand. Sphenodon punctatus Sphenodon is an ancient survivor from the Juassic period - the age of dinosaurs amd survives in limited numbers

Head of Tuatara lizard. Rainbow Springs North Island New Zealand. Sphenodon is an ancient survivor from the Juassic
MAB-500 Head of Tuatara lizard Rainbow Springs North Island New Zealand Sphenodon punctatus Sphenodon is an ancient survivor from the Juassic period - the age of dinosaurs

Tuatara Small Islands of New Zealand
KEL-231 Tuatara Small Islands of New Zealand Sphenodon punctatus Ken Lucas Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway

Tuatara -ancient lizard, distintly different from other groups. Endemic to New Zealand
ROG-11664 Tuatara - ancient lizard, distintly different from other groups Endemic to New Zealand Sphenodon punctatus endemic Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

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The tuatara, also known as the Hatteria punctata or the great fringed lizard of New Zealand, is a fascinating creature that has captivated people's attention for centuries. This Australian wildlife species was first documented in a lithograph published way back in 1897. With its unique appearance and ancient lineage, the tuatara stands out among reptiles, and is often referred to as a living fossil due to its remarkable resemblance to prehistoric reptiles that roamed the earth millions of years ago. The tuatara's distinct features have been captured in various black and white photographs taken at London Zoo during the late 1920s. One such photograph shows a tuatara lying peacefully in front of a rock, showcasing its natural habitat even within captivity. Another image depicts a Cook Strait or Northern Tuatara from around 1923, providing us with glimpses into this magnificent creature's life. During this time period, these photos were not only valuable for their scientific significance but also served as educational tools for those interested in learning about exotic animals from faraway lands. They were showcased at events like the Colonial and Indian Exhibition held in New Zealand where engravings of these incredible creatures were displayed. London Zoo played an essential role in introducing tuataras to audiences worldwide through exhibits featuring these captivating reptiles. Several images capture them basking on rocks or simply existing within their enclosures while visitors marveled at their presence. Even today, researchers continue to study and learn more about this enigmatic species that has managed to survive against all odds. The DDE-90026475 and DDE-90026433 codes associated with these photographs serve as reminders of our ongoing efforts to document and understand nature's wonders. The eyeUbiquitous_20100510 code represents yet another snapshot capturing the essence of this living fossil reptile—a testament to its enduring legacy throughout history.