Rare species: two-headed lizard is born

A two-headed lizard believed to be one of only four worldwide has been born - in LIVERPOOL.

Owner Stephen Evans, 34 has bred bearded dragon lizards for 17 years and made the discovery this morning after checking a clutch of eggs.

Originally, he thought there were two lizards in one egg but says he was shocked to discover it was actually a conjoined twin.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "Last night I'd checked the incubator, we'd seen two heads and assumed they were twins, which can sometimes happen.

"I posted a picture on Facebook saying that they were twins - but I couldn't believe it when I noticed the two heads shared the same body.

"My friends and family have all been sharing it, I think everyone is shocked.

"It's my birthday tomorrow and it might have been an early birthday present. I've already bought a lottery ticket because my luck must be in."

Stephen and his wife Jodie, from Birkenhead, keep nearly 50 bearded dragons and specialise in breeding lizards with rare colours and unusual patterns, known as 'morphs.'

However, they believe that the new arrival is one of only four worldwide.

It has been named Olaf by their children, after the snowman character in Disney's Frozen.

"I've looked online and I think there's only ever been three or four cases of bearded dragons being born with two heads," added Stephen.

"It's certainly not common and I don't think any of the other babies born from the clutch of eggs will be born with two heads.

"Other than the fact it has two heads it seems to be healthy and strong - it hatched on its own and that is a good sign.

The two heads move independently and it does move about normally."

Although Olaf, whose sex will be unknown for another six to seven weeks, seems healthy, he will need special care and attention until Stephen and Jodie are confident he is doing well.