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INDEPENDENT: Flora the Komodo Dragon "does her own thing"

CHESTER Zoo's Komodo Dragon Flora is famous as the sister who did it for herself' when it came to breeding.

Having never had the company of a male dragon, Flora hit the headlines when, undeterred, she reproduced without ever having come close to one of her own kind.

And now, Flora has once again proved that no mate means "no problem" with the arrival of another Komodo Dragon hatchling.

Flora is now the first Komodo Dragon in the world to reproduce twice through a process known as parthenogenesis.

Originally mum' to seven Komodo hatchlings, Flora has welcomed another new, unnamed male to the fold.

Kevin Buley, Chester Zoo's Head of Zoo Programmes, said: "The absence of a strong male partner really doesn't seem to trouble Flora. She remains determined to do her own sweet thing with fantastic results."

Flora's solitary existence, however, is going to be short-lived and in a few months time she will finally get to cosy up with dragon Norman who has made his home at Chester.

first date "We're pretty confident we've found the ideal dragon for Flora. He's everything a dragon should be and has already taken a shine to Flora's sister Nessie.

"With any luck, Flora and Norman will follow suit and hit it off on their first date," added Kevin.

The start of the new BBC One series Life in Cold Blood has reawakened an enthusiasm for reptiles and amphibians and some of Chester Zoo's cold-blooded inhabitants have received many visitors during half term.

More than 50,000 visitors have passed through the gates already this month and February looks set to be one of the busiest in the zoo's 74-year history.

For more information, log onto the website www.chesterzoo.org

3:59pm Tuesday 26th February 2008

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