Gila Monsters Hatch At North Carolina Zoo

By Tom Gillespie

Asheboro, NC - “One of two Gila monsters that hatched recently at the North Carolina Zoo makes its way from its shell, marking the first such hatchings at the zoo.

Gila monster eggs have a longer incubation period than most reptiles—120-150 days, as compared to the average 40-60 days. The ‘little monsters’ pushed the high end of the incubation period with one hatching at 149 days and the other at 151 days. Few other zoos are reproducing these reptiles, and they are scarce in the wild, so the hatchings represent a significant event in the captive management of the species.” (NC Zoo photo by Ezra Ellis)

Background on NC Zoo Gila Monsters:

The two new Gila monster hatchlings are from 2 adults we have been trying to breed for several years now.  Gila monsters do not reproduce readily in captivity.  It has taken us a few years to refine our hibernation techniques for the adults, to increase the reproductive viability of the parents and to find the right incubation technique to bring the eggs to term.  Gila monster eggs have a longer incubation period than most reptiles.  Most reptiles average a 40-60 day incubation period; while Gila Monster eggs usually hatch in 120-150 days.  The longer incubation period leads to higher risk of problems before the eggs hatch.  These little monsters pushed the high end of the incubation period with one hatching at 149 days and the other at
151 days.  The eggs were laid on June 22 and hatched on Nov. 9 and the other  Nov. 11. These two were born 2 days apart but had the exact same weight at birth 41g.  These are the first hatchings of Gila Monsters at the NCZOO.  This is important to the sustainability of our collection. 

Few zoos are reproducing these animals and they are scarce in the wild so us being able to have offspring is a real asset.  It is very hard to find other institutions that have surplus animals that they are willing to sell, loan or donate to us and with our current Gila monster population getting some age on it this could have been a problem for us down the road.  There are a few private reptile breeders selling Gila monsters through the pet trade but the price is substantial, around
$1500 and up for a single animal.