Three protected native Geckos have been returned to the wild after illegally being kept in captivity for years with tens of other lizards and skinks.
Manawatu man, Richard Brosnan has been fined 7,000 for keeping 63 geckos and skinks from 11 species, which is forbidden under the Wildlife Act.
He'd previously had a permit to keep skinks but that expired in 2016.
The extent of his menagerie was revealed after DOC launched an investigation last year.
Unfortunately, many of the lizards can't be released back into their habitat.
DOC's principal investigations officer, Matt Davis speaks to Lisa Owen.
