Breed: Crested Gecko (tailless)

Sex: Male

Date of Birth:  01/06/2017

Measurements: 

Neck circumference: 6cm

Length (base of neck to tail): 7cm

Height (floor to shoulder): 3cm

Floor to top of head: 3cm

Chest circumference: 8cm 

Weight: TBC

Parsnip, the courageous crested gecko is a flame morph with a strong cream base colour.  The breeding of crested geckos in the reptile world has led to a fascinating variety of colour ‘morphs’, with some more sought after than others.  As Parsnip’s colour is largely cream, this makes photography easy and his appearance pleasing to the eye.  These are visual characteristics that make him an interesting gecko for media work

Parsnip is also tailless, making him a ‘frog-butt’, as they’re affectionately termed in the reptile community. Fear not!  Just because Parsnip has at some point in his life dropped his tail, it doesn’t make him any less active.  Tail dropping in crested geckos occurs naturally in the wild and in captivity and it is sometimes down to the gecko having suffered shock or a perceived threat.  When this happens, the gecko drops his tail to distract the threat and escape to safety.  However, sometimes, there is no discernible reason for a tail drop and it doesn’t affect the life-span of the gecko on any way. 

Parsnip was rescued having not received proper food, UV lighting and living in an enclosure that was far too small his previous home.  He now lives the life of luxury in a bioactive enclosure and has all his needs and wants met.  He’s a much loved member of a busy household, where he is truly doted on.

Crested gecko, Parsnip, is happy to be handled and pet, even by children, under supervision.  He is not nervous in new surroundings and he even comes out during the day to check over his busy household (which he shares with numerous other pets).  This is unusual for crested geckos; they are a nocturnal species, so it does show his bravery and trust in his handler to protect his safety.

As a frog-butt, Parsnip is still able to perform the classic crested gecko springing jump, though it is a bit less accurate than his tailed counter-parts.  Being tailless has its advantages for filming since it means Parsnip is also slightly slower in movement; however, we would always advocate that crested geckos kept in captivity should retain their tails as long as possible.  Parsnip’s frog-butt is incredibly cute and a great feature that enables education about the species for future generations. 

Crested geckos are an arboreal species that prefers height and climbing to walking flat on the land.  Cresties have special toe pads (otherwise known as ‘sticky feet’) which allow them to climb more or less any vertical surface with ease.  This makes a really interesting filming opportunity for differing visual perspectives.  For more information on why filming with tailless crested geckos is so great, check out our crestie blog here. (hyperlink to blog)

With a truly unique appearance, Parsnip is a wonder to behold.  This flame morph crestie has striking cream and dark colours that make the pattern truly pop.  

Parsnip is less flighty than many crested geckos so makes a great subject for stills photography.  However, if you can capture him in flight or mid jump, you’ll get the most amazing shot; he really does have the most charming, expressive face.  You will simply love his smile.

To date, Parsnip is yet to have professional filming experience, however, this very tame crested gecko handles well and is confident in new surroundings and busy locations.  We are confident of his ability to work well on set.  He’s so adorable that he is a picture perfect gecko.