# Bringing Back the Dinosaurs Tuatara Mates After 111 Years By Bianca | Published 2008-08-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tuatara-pictures-parietal-eye References: [ap.google](http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ig6dAJwYHFH3Okx5PSvz0rsIIZbAD92CFGRG0) & [panda.org](http://www.panda.org/news_facts/education/middle_school/species/remarkable_animals/tuatara/index.cfm) The most fascinating beast being (trend) hunted today is the Tuatara, one of the world's [last living dinosaurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/convention-crasher). The particular tuatara fascinating the media is an 111 years old male expecting babies. Since the news broke, thousands of people have turned to the web in search of tuatara pictures! Tuataras are part of the *Sphenodontidae* family, and the only remaining member of the *Rhynochocephalia* order (the rest roamed the earth about 200 million years ago.) They have been listed as endangered since 1895, but if all goes well, this dinosaur could be making a comeback! Henry the tuatara mated with a female tuatara, Mildred, at the Southland Museum and they are now waiting for about a [dozen eggs to hatch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/original-tamagotchi-celebration-egg). The thing that seems to fascinate people most about the tuatura, besides the fact that it's having babies, is that the [native New Zealand reptile](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/return-of-the-cheetah) has a third eye, or parietal eye. No, it's not an ogre-style eye in the middle, nor is it like a "spiritual eye," rather, it's a barely visible tiny eye on top of the head, usually hidden in the tuatara's wrinkled skin. Random fact: Tuatura means "peaks on the back" in the Māori language. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/pets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Endangered Species Conservation:** There is a growing interest in conserving and protecting endangered species, such as the tuatara, to prevent their extinction. - **Wildlife Tourism:** The fascination with unique and rare animals, like the tuatara, has led to an increase in wildlife tourism and the exploration of exotic destinations. - **Reptile Conservation:** The successful breeding of the tuatara provides an opportunity for further research and development of conservation strategies for reptiles and other endangered species. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Zoos and Wildlife Parks:** Zoos and wildlife parks can capitalize on the public interest in rare animals, like the tuatara, by featuring them in exhibits and educational programs. - **Eco-tourism:** Eco-tourism companies can create unique experiences centered around observing and learning about endangered species, such as the tuatara, in their natural habitats. - **Biotechnology and Genetics:** The successful breeding of the tuatara opens up opportunities for biotechnology and genetic research focused on preserving and restoring endangered species. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Dinosaur Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitzee-jurassic-world.md) - [AI-Powered Dinosaur Tracking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-footprints.md) - [Reversible Dinosaur Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glow-in-the-dark-dinosaur-plushies.md) - [Dinosaur-Themed Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-fossils-triceratops-skull.md) - [Dinosaur Encyclopedia Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinodex.md) - [Textured Scale-Covered Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urwerk-ur101-trex.md) - [Dinosaur-Themed Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labgrown-leather-ltd.md) - [Dinosaur Intricate Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinosaur-fossils-tyrannosaurus-rex.md) - [Dinosaur Fossil Puzzle Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-dinosaur-fossils-trex-skull.md)