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These 60-year-old geckos could be the world’s oldest

During a five-yearly survey on Motunau Island off the coast of New Zealand's South Island, a team including reptile expert Marieke Lettink and Department of Conservation's Biodiversity Ranger Kaitlyn Leeds discovered Waitaha geckos believed to be the world's oldest, with recorded ages of 60 and 64 years.
The remarkable longevity of these geckos, named Antoinette and Brucie-Baby , is exceptional considering the average lifespan of geckos worldwide is only about a decade.
The two Waitaha geckos were first discovered and marked in 1967 and 1969 respectively by the late herpetologist Tony Whitaker, allowing staff to accurately date the ages of the lizards.
Factors contributing to the geckos' extended lifespans include the cool climate and island lifestyle of Motunau Island, which is predator-free and lacks introduced species that have decimated native animals on mainland New Zealand.
The discovery was a career highlight, with Lettink noting it was humbling to realize these animals are older than them and still out there doing their thing, and she hopes to find Antoinette and Brucie-Baby again on the next visit in five years.

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These 60-year-old geckos could be the world's oldest

Meet Antoinette and Brucie-Baby, who are both in their 60s and are believed to be the world's oldest geckos

2 days ago·Sacramento, United States

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These 60-year-old geckos could be the world’s oldest

At 64 and 60 years old, Antoinette and Brucie-Baby are thin and bony. Their skin hangs looser than it did in their youth, but their eyes still gleam with energy.

3 days ago·Atlanta, United States

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