The Australian Reptile Park is hailing the arrival of 15 eggs this week as an Australian first for their komodo dragon, Daenerys.
Keepers risked the potentially fatal venomous bite of the largest living lizard species to retrieve the eggs, giving them the best chance of hatching successfully.
The eggs will remain under lock and key during their eight-month incubation period, with the temperature to be monitored constantly.
Australian Reptile Park head of reptiles Daniel Rumsey said a lot of work had gone into the breeding program, including ultrasounds to ensure all the eggs had been laid successfully.
"These are two animals that could potentially kill each other and do some serious damage to us keepers in the process," he said.
"It was a bit touch and go during the initial introductions, however our female became receptive and the two mated successfully."
