A tuatara posing
I recently told a friend that I was making a film about Tuatara. His response was “that’s some kind of bird, right?” Which triggered me to write a little about the tuatara. So for those of you who don’t know what this beautiful animal is, read on!
First up, have a look at some great links – these groups love the tuatara as much as we do, and can describe them much more eloquently! They are all responsible for tuatara conservation – a difficult task which they do very well!
Victoria University Tuatara Information page
Alison Cree’s research page Univeristy of Otago
The Department of Conservation NZ
A quick summary:
Quick and quirky facts about the tuatara
- a reptile endemic to New Zealand
- Is not a lizard, but classified in it’s own special group, Sphenodon
- often described as a ‘living fossil’, having changed very little since the dinosaur age some 220 million years ago.
- live in burrows, sometimes sharing with seabirds
- move really really slowly, sometimes only breathe once an hour!
- live for a really long time (max. estimation is about 200 years)
- eats whatever it can find, or anything that strays across it’s path!
- have an ancient 3rd eye which senses things we can’t, like UV
We hope, after reading all that, you’ll see what we see in the tuatara – some quirky characters who have some weird habits, but are also wise, ancient and the ultimate survivors. They deserve our care and respect.
ooh! tuatara are really cool! I never thought they;d live that long! They;re kind of like humans only reptilian. And now I also know that they aren’t a lizard.
I enjoyed hearing you both on National Radio. The film sounds great – I look forward to seeing it. Awesome photo (above)! All the best.
Hi Miranda,
Thanks so much. If you’re in Invercargill or Southland we will be organising a premiere in the next two months so you can catch the film there. We’re also trying to organise some library screenings around the country – so keep checking the blog for details. DVD copies are also going to go on sale soon.
Great to get support for the story – you just can’t help loving Henry and Mildred!
Cheers,
Jane
Greetings I have just discovered your film !! I am quite excited, as I completely love the little animal
Which is just as well I guess, as I work for Tuatara Brewery in Wellington.
The thing is; we are right now doing two things; supporting the new ‘Zealandia’ Tuatara breeding programme, which is about to be kicked off at the Wellington, Karori Sanctuary.
Also, we are in the planning stages for a social media campaign for Tuatara beer, – and have engaged with the Media Film school in Kent Terrace to support one of their projects – and them making films for our campaign.
Could we speak pse !?!?
For a start – we would really like you to support you to go to the film awards. Or something.
Would love to talk to you.
David Bernard:
Mob: 027 6660904 anytime