Golden oldies conceive: 07-08-2008
Travellers in New Zealand may be able to witness the results of a historic birth in around six months time.
The remarkable story of 111-year-old Henry, who got a lady friend in her 70s pregnant, may sound like something for a Dear Deirdre letter, but the story starts to unravel when you discover the couple are not human.
In fact, Henry and Mildred are Southland Museum's resident tuataras – a type of lizard – and are expecting 12 little monsters around February.
Museum curator Lindsay Hazley explained Henry has suddenly started showing an interest in mating since having a cancerous tumour removed from his bottom.
"He's definitely up for it, he's become a real Jack the Lad since he lost his virginity," she said.
"With these guys, foreplay might take years. One has to be patient."
The tuatara can trace its roots back 225 million years, and with breeding habits like this, it's little wonder the species has lasted so long.
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