Endangered Central California lizard eggs hatch at Fresno Chaffee Zoo

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A unique partnership is helping restore the population of a reptile in danger of becoming extinct.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Fresno State and the Department of Fish and Wildlife are joining forces in the effort.
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Their mission is to protect and increase the amount of blunt-nosed leopard lizards.

The organizations are hatching 19 new baby lizards through a breeding program.

The species can only be found in Central California and play an important role in the local ecosystem.
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The long-term goal is to release the lizards back to their native habitat.