8 Lizards Born At San Diego Zoo After Dozens Of Reptiles Seized At Border

SAN DIEGO, CA — Eight baby lizards have been born at the San Diego Zoo after their mothers were found among dozens of reptiles packed inside knotted and taped pillowcases at the U.S.-Mexico border, zoo officials said Thursday.

The animals were discovered inside a vehicle at the San Ysidro Port of Entry as part of an wildlife smuggling scheme, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

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The seizure included 60 Abronia lizards, four venomous yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, a baby crocodile and an indigo snake. Some of the pillowcases, which were knotted closed and sealed with tape, contained 15 to 20 reptiles, according to the organization.

The animals had been left in the vehicle for nearly 24 hours before they were transported to the zoo, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Zoo veterinary and animal care teams assessed the reptiles and began treating them after their arrival. The snakes were dehydrated and were placed in shallow water to help restore hydration.

Some of the lizards had mites and received topical treatment. The zoo's laboratory is also testing samples for parasites to determine whether additional treatment is needed.

Staff discovered female Abronia lizards giving birth as they removed the reptiles from the pillowcases. Unlike many lizard species, Abronia lizards give birth to live young rather than lay eggs. Zoo officials said other females appear to be pregnant and could give birth soon.

Because of the number of animals involved, some of the reptiles have been transferred to three other zoological institutions. The others remain at the San Diego Zoo.

The case remains under investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other law enforcement agencies.