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Page last updated at 18:35 GMT, Monday, 6 July 2009 19:35 UK

Rare lizards named after Murray

Lizards Andy and Murray
The reptiles were named after the British tennis number one

Two rare lizards have been born as part of a captive breeding programme at an aquarium in Dorset.

The reptiles, named Andy and Murray after the British tennis star, hatched on 29 and 30 June at the Oceanarium, Bournemouth.

They are the first to be born at the aquarium after nine Spiny-Tailed Lizards were rescued in 2003 after being illegally imported into the UK.

Their parents are Peter and Jordan, named so because of their orange skin.

Charlotte Brown, from the aquarium, said: "Andy and Murray are a true testament to the breeding programme we have been running.

"Since the arrival of the creatures six years ago, we have been working on the breeding programme and even this year loaned one of our four female lizards to Sparsholt College in the hope that she would mate with a male lizard there.

"It was a delight to see the birth of Andy and Murray this week and only fitting to name the lizards after the tennis player dominating the headlines."



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SEE ALSO
Aquarium welcomes water dragons
22 Feb 09 |  Dorset
Clutch of rare lizard eggs hatch
18 Sep 07 |  London

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