At Liberty Science Center, we take great pride in the 100+ species of live animals that call our facility home, and in the dedicated animal husbandry team who work to ensure each of these animals lives a healthy, enriched life. This past week, we were thrilled to welcome a new and extraordinary member to our family of furry, scaly, and feathered friends: a newly hatched crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus).

But this isn’t just any hatchling! This baby gecko arrived through a rare biological phenomenon known as parthenogenesis, a form of reproduction in which an embryo develops without fertilization. While parthenogenesis is documented in several reptile species, including certain geckos, whiptail lizards, and Komodo dragons, it remains relatively rare in crested geckos, making this hatching a particularly exciting event.

The mother of this hatchling has been a resident of Liberty Science Center since 2016 and has never been introduced to a male.

LSC’s mother crested gecko

Crested geckos, also affectionately known as “eyelash geckos” due to the distinctive row of spiky points above their eyes, were once believed to be extinct until they were rediscovered in 1994. Today, they are a favorite among reptile enthusiasts for their gentle nature and striking appearance. These geckos typically grow to about 19–21 cm (7.5–8.3 inches) in length.

We’re pleased to report that, while parthenogenetic offspring can sometimes face health challenges or developmental issues due to limited genetic diversity, our new hatchling is off to a strong start. She is active, feeding well, and displaying normal behavior for her species, with no visible abnormalities at this time.

Newly hatched crested gecko

“It’s always exciting to have a baby, but it’s even more exciting when it’s through such a rare phenomenon,” said Kyle Baumgartner, a member of LSC’s animal husbandry team.

Our animal care team will continue to monitor her closely in the coming weeks to ensure she continues to thrive. We’re honored to share this rare moment of science and discovery with you, and we invite you to follow along as we learn more about this incredible new addition to the LSC family.

Family portrait