New lease on life for oil-spill geckos

Rare geckos caught in an oil spill off the coast of Mauritius have started breeding after being sent to Jersey Zoo for expert care.

More than 60 reptiles, including 30 lesser night geckos and 30 Bojer’s skinks were sent to the UK by a team from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust which has a presence on the Indian Ocean island.

Biologists on the Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve said they were “so happy” with the zoo for coming to the rescue when more than 1,000 tons of oil spilled into the ocean after the MV Wakashio struck a coral reef in July.

Jersey Zoo had its own problems during the pandemic but managed to raise £1 million through crowdfunding to continue its conservation work.

Rose Marie Pierre, a tour guide in Mauritius, said “We are sure they will carry on, they never let us down.”

The rescued reptiles are shortly due to be sent back to their homeland.