After a complex journey spanning the globe, eight critically endangered Fijian iguanas have found their new home at the San Diego Zoo.
This development marks a significant step for the species, as the zoo boasts the largest captive colony of these reptiles and is leading groundbreaking genetic research aimed at ensuring their survival.
The arrival of the iguanas follows their seizure by Spanish authorities in a 2017 operation that uncovered over 600 reptiles trafficked illegally.
Brett Baldwin, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo, expressed excitement over the new arrivals, noting, “Confiscations of trafficked wildlife happen a lot more frequently than people realize, and reptiles are especially susceptible due to their high demand in the illegal pet trade.”
He added that the careful transportation of Fijian iguanas from Spain to San Diego is a reflection of the zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation and providing the best care for these reptiles.
During their time in Spain, the iguanas were cared for by the Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity, located near Madrid.
Their transition to the San Diego Zoo was authorized by the Fiji government, contributing to an international initiative aimed at restoring the endangered species.
Setoki Tuiteci, Chairman of the National Trust of Fiji Council, highlighted the significance of the transfer, stating, “Wildlife smuggling is a real problem that threatens Fiji’s endangered iguana populations that are already facing pressures from expanding human activities and invasive alien species.
Therefore, we appreciate the actions of security authorities and organizations like San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.”
In preparation for the iguanas’ arrival, Baldwin traveled to Spain to facilitate their flight to the United States.
Upon arriving safely in Los Angeles, the reptiles were taken to the zoo’s Jennings Veterinary Hospital, where they underwent thorough health assessments followed by a period of quarantine.
After passing their quarantine, the iguanas will be reunited with what could be considered their long-lost family within the zoo.
Over the past 28 years, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has assisted with more than 20 reptile seizures and was among the first institutions to begin housing Fijian iguanas.
Since the establishment of their conservation breeding program in the 1990s, the zoo has successfully produced over 100 hatchlings.
Researchers at the zoo have also been analyzing DNA samples from nearly 200 iguanas across 30 islands, aiming to further understand effective conservation strategies for the species.
Encouragingly, their findings have revealed that native Fijian iguana populations possess a greater genetic diversity than previously known, suggesting the possibility of an entirely new species.
Geneticists at the zoo will analyze the arrival of the eight new iguanas to determine whether they were poached from the wild or bred illegally, as well as identify their original island of origin.
Fijian iguanas inhabit only about 10% of Fiji’s roughly 330 islands, and many of their populations are under threat.
These lizards typically measure around 21 inches in length and primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers found in their native coastal swamps and rainforests.
They are arboreal creatures, spending most of their lives in trees, descending only to lay their eggs.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-24/rare-fijian-iguanas-rescued-from-wildlife-traffickers-in-spain-arrive-at-san-diego-zoo
