スミソニアン国立動物園さんのインスタグラム写真 - (スミソニアン国立動物園Instagram)「Reptile Discovery Center keepers are sad to share that our adult female Asian water dragon was humanely euthanized Dec. 2 following a recent bout of inappetence and significant reduction in her movement. She is well-known for undergoing facultative parthenogenesis—that is, she reproduced and contributed offspring to her species’ survival despite never breeding with a male or receiving genetic material. Animal care staff and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists were the first to confirm parthenogenesis in this species. At 14 years old, she was considered elderly for her species; the median life expectancy for female Asian water dragons is about 10 to 12 years. . . . Five years ago, our Asian water dragon developed arthritis in her left hip. Zoo veterinarians treated her with pain medication for many years. Recently, however, she developed arthritis in additional joints and her discomfort appeared to increase despite medication. She was unable to use her back legs to climb and perch, a typical behavior for this species. Due to her poor prognosis and declining quality of life, animal care staff made the decision to humanely euthanize her. . . . Although our Asian water dragon’s first offspring died of blood cancer at 2 years old, she is survived by two juvenile female offspring—also the result of parthenogenesis—who live behind-the-scenes at the Reptile Discovery Center. . . . Keepers fondly remember our Asian water dragon as both resilient and curious. She was an excellent ambassador for her species, teaching keepers, scientists and visitors about the biology and behavior of Asian water dragons. Keepers say she was a great exhibit animal because she often perched on a branch near the glass where visitors could clearly see her. They are grateful for her contributions to the scientific community’s knowledge about the natural history and reproductive physiology of her species. Learn more about her legacy: https://s.si.edu/37muohZ.」12月17日 0時00分