Due to the large proportion of native lizard species currently considered at risk or threatened, Wellington Zoo aimed to better understand public attitudes and awareness regarding the Wellington Green Gecko and New Zealand lizards in general. To assist the zoo, we surveyed the general public and interviewed both herpetological and conservation experts. Through these methods, we determined that the public lacks awareness of native lizards but has a high willingness to engage in conservation regarding geckos. From this data, we developed a public service announcement and a series of recommendations, focused on improving the public’s knowledge of native lizards, which Wellington Zoo can implement to foster gecko conservation in Wellington.

Student Team

• Calvin Chen
• James E Doty
• Michael Joseph Eaton
• Derrick Naugler

Sponsor

• Wellington Zoo

Advisors