Tuatara are back roaming after 100 years

Orokonui Ecosanctuary, in Dunedin, is now home to 44 wild tuatara. The ecosanctuary was one of five sites yesterday - and the only one in the South Island - to receive a consignment of wild tuatara from Stephens Island in the Marlborough Sounds. It is the furthest south tuatara have been free to roam in more than 100 years. The 222 reptiles travelled on Air New Zealand flights from Wellington to Dunedin, Gisborne and Hamilton. The 15 adult males, 15 adult females and 14 juveniles will be released in the predator-free sanctuary, which is already home to 15 juvenile captive-hatched tuatara.