Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Two large herrosaurus cubs were born on February 2 at the Moscow Zoo, which is part of the capital's Department of CultureThese are large lizards native to the arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Currently, the babies are kept with their parents in the Terrarium pavilion's service areas, so visitors cannot see them. Zoo staff are closely monitoring the babies' growth and development.
Breeding large herrosaurs in captivity is challenging. These lizards are very sensitive to environmental conditions: they are prone to stress and have high demands on ultraviolet radiation, temperature, and humidity. Another challenge lies in their reproductive habits. Females bury their eggs deep in the soil, making them difficult to detect. However, specialists at the Moscow Zoo managed to find the clutch in time and place the eggs in a special incubator. Incubation lasted approximately two months at a stable temperature of 24 to 25 degrees Celsius.
"The fact that we regularly have reproductions of individuals born at the Moscow Zoo speaks to the exceptional professionalism of our herpetologists and the zoo's successful conservation strategy for rare species. This is the result of painstaking work and a genuine passion for their work," noted Svetlana Akulova, General Director of the Moscow Zoo.
Juveniles, like adults, are distinguished by their vibrant coloration: their bodies are green, with striking red or yellow stripes running along their sides. Young herrosaurs have a varied diet. They feed on insects (crickets), fruits (bananas and mangoes), vegetables (carrots), lettuce, and even cottage cheese. Males can be distinguished from females by two characteristics: males have a more massive and wider head, and they have special femoral pores on their hind limbs, which look like small holes.
Herrosaurs are a family of lizards in the order Scinciformes. Their bodies are covered with large, shiny scales arranged in regular longitudinal and transverse rows, giving them the appearance of a carapace. These reptiles also have a longitudinal lateral fold of skin separating the dorsal from the ventral sides, which provides additional mobility. Lizards are diurnal and heliothermic, basking in the sun to maintain body temperature. They inhabit primarily arid environments, although forest and semi-aquatic species also exist.
The Moscow Zoo's program of events contributes to the implementation of the national project's goals and objectives in the capital. "Family"More information about Russia's national projects and Moscow's contribution can be found atspecial page.
Moscow Zoo, subordinate to the capital's Department of Culture, is one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1864 by the Imperial Russian Society for the Acclimatization of Animals and Plants. Its history is linked to the names of prominent scientists from Moscow University—Karl Roullier, Anatoly Bogdanov, and Sergei Usov.
Today, the zoo continues to develop. Serious scientific research is conducted here, and international conferences and educational programs are held. In early 2025, it set a world record for the number of animal species represented—1,253. This achievement was made possible through the many years of effort by zoologists, veterinarians, keepers, and other staff.
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