A rare two-headed crested gecko named Simon and Garfunkel is defying the odds. Born five weeks ago, the unusual reptile has become a viral sensation as Rockstar Geckos shares weekly updates on its well-being.
A new viral sensation is taking over the internet, and it’s something most people have never seen before.
A rare two-headed crested gecko named Simon and Garfunkel was born five weeks ago at Rockstar Geckos in northeastern Pennsylvania, and social media can’t get enough of the tiny reptile.
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“We’ve only had this happen once before in all our years hatching babies,” Rockstar Geckos wrote on Instagram. “Unfortunately, they don’t often live very long, but we will do our best.”
Simon and Garfunkel were born with polycephaly, a rare congenital condition that occurs when a single embryo does not completely separate during development.
(Rockstar Geckos / FOX Weather)
Since the birth, Rockstar Geckos has been providing weekly updates on Simon and Garfunkel’s progress, with thousands of users flooding the company’s social media pages to cheer on the rare duo.
One user wrote, “I’m completely obsessed with the twins. They are just so adorable, and it’s great seeing them doing so well.”
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Another commented, “I’ve never seen a two-headed animal so active. Even the healthy two-headed turtles I’ve seen aren’t this active.”
A third added, “OMG! So adorable!!! Keep thriving, Simon and Garfunkel!!!! Nature is absolutely amazing.”
The condition of having more than one head is known as polycephaly, a rare congenital condition that occurs when a single embryo does not completely separate during development.
According to Rockstar Geckos, polycephaly is especially rare in crested geckos, although it is more commonly documented in other reptiles, particularly snakes and turtles.
“I’ve even seen a kitten and a cow born with two heads,” the company told FOX Weather.
A rare two-headed crested gecko named Simon and Garfunkel was born five weeks ago at Rockstar Geckos in northeastern Pennsylvania.
(Rockstar Geckos / FOX Weather)
Unfortunately, animals born with multiple heads often do not live that long due to complications involving shared organs, mobility or feeding. However, Simon and Garfunkel appear to be defying the odds.
“These little ones are thriving and doing all the classic gecko things completely on their own,” Rockstar Geckos said. “Their body condition looks excellent, and they’re so active and curious.”
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In most polycephalic animals, each head has its own brain while sharing control of a single body. This can result in conflicting movements, difficulty coordinating actions, or complications involving shared organs.
Rockstar Geckos noted in a four-week update that Simon and Garfunkel weigh 1.8 grams.
(Rockstar Geckos / FOX Weather)
Rather than working together, the two brains may send competing signals to the body, making movement less coordinated and, in the wild, increasing vulnerability to predators.
“As you can see, they’re a bit behind their clutchmate in growth. That’s most likely due to their inability to hunt and eat bugs,” Rockstar Geckos said in a five-week update. “Otherwise… they’re active, eating well and we only had to assist a little with their last shed.”
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In most polycephalic animals, each head has its own brain while sharing control of a single body.
(Rockstar Geckos)
Crested geckos are tree-living lizards native to New Caledonia. As adults, they typically grow to eight to 10 inches long and weigh between 35 and 45 grams.
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Rockstar Geckos noted in a four-week update that Simon and Garfunkel are smaller than a typical reptile, weighing just 1.8 grams, but their smaller size is not unexpected given their unique condition.
For now, Simon and Garfunkel will spend the rest of their lives at Rockstar Geckos, where the staff plans to continue caring for them and giving them the best chance to thrive.
