By Raymond A. Edel ,

A new exhibit in the Reptile House at World Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo features the Grand Cayman iguana (Cyclura lewisi), also known as the blue iguana.

The exhibit is now open to the public and highlights a conservation success story. Once numbering fewer than 20 animals, the species has been brought back from the brink of extinction.

WCS’s Zoological Health Program, based at the Bronx Zoo, has been working with partners in the Cayman Islands for more than 15 years.

The recovery effort, shepherded by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment, and the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group, has released nearly 1,000 iguanas since its inception.

Blue iguanas are found only on the island of Grand Cayman.

The two young iguanas at the Bronx Zoo were bred at other zoos that participate in the blue iguana Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability of animal populations in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Named for the beautiful blue hue of their skin, blue iguanas can grow to nearly five feet long and weigh 30 pounds as adults.

For more information about the blue iguanas and the conservation efforts underway, read the Dr. Calle’s blog on WCS’s WildView photo blog: http://blog.wcs.org/photo/.

The iguanas are located in the Reptile House which is included in the general admission ticket.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.bronxzoo.com.

IMAGE: (Photo: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS)

For more on this story go to: http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-york/2016/12/13/new-blue-iguana-exhibit-opens-wcss-bronx-zoo/95393816/