Crested Geckos Ready to Bat "Eyelashes" at Adoring Fans

SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The crested gecko would like to set the record straight during Petco's free, family-friendly Meet the Critters event taking place April 20-21, 2013 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. First, they want moms to know that they aren't slimy. Second, they are certainly not something that should inspire fear. In fact, the crested gecko thinks humans should envy their long "lashes" and vibrant colors and welcome them into their home because they make great pets.

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To learn more about these winking reptiles, as well as how to keep them physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy, parents are encouraged to bring their families to interact with the crested gecko at this fun family event. Below is a preview of just some of the facts families will learn about crested geckos during this month's "Meet the Critters":

• Crested geckos like to stay physically fit and are very agile because of their prehensile tails, but they are one of the few reptiles that can't grow their tails back if they lose them for any reason.
• While crested geckos seem like they have eyelashes, they do not have eyelids. Instead, a transparent scale covers and keeps the eyes moist and they clean this layer with their tongue!
• The crested gecko was once believed to be extinct until the species was rediscovered in 1994 on the island of New Caledonia near Australia.
• Often considered the ideal reptilian pet, crested geckos do not require live food to stay physically fit and can eat a nutritious powder mix instead of crickets or other creepy crawlies.
• Though small and docile, don't be fooled! Crested geckos pack a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
• Crested geckos like to stay socially engaged by living with a friend in at least a 20-gallon terrarium, but be careful – males cannot live together!

To learn more about Petco's "Meet the Critters" events, contact the nearest Petco store or visit www.petco.com/kids.

About Petco:

Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that provides the products, services and advice that make it easier for our customers to be great pet parents. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,200 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including more than 50 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop, and www.petco.com.  The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $110 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 350,000 animals every year.

Media Contact:
Monica Vigo
619-501-2756
[email protected]

SOURCE Petco

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