A famous two-headed gecko has tragically been put down after refusing to eat and losing weight.
Simon and Garfunkel captured hearts around the world after defying the odds and surviving for almost two months.
The super-rare reptile stunned fans when both heads proved capable of eating independently.
READ MORE: Smuggled parrot eggs HATCH after wildlife trafficker arrested at airport
But breeders Rockstar Geckos announced that the youngster had begun slowing down and was no longer feeding, as reported by Need To Know.
They subsequently made the heartbreaking decision to put Simon and Garfunkel down.
Rockstar Geckos said: “It’s with heavy hearts that we share this update.
“Simon & Garfunkel, our beloved two-headed gecko, has begun to slow down.
“They are refusing food and have lost weight.
“After careful consideration, we have made the most difficult decision any caretaker must face.
“To everyone around the world who followed their journey, shared in their story, and cared so deeply for these extraordinary little lives, THANK YOU.
“Your kindness and support meant more than words can express.
“We are deeply grateful.”
Simon and Garfunkel unexpectedly hatched at the husband-and-wife breeding business in north-eastern Pennsylvania on 29 June.
Nothing had appeared unusual about the egg before the two-headed crested gecko emerged.
Animals born with the condition frequently face severe health difficulties and the breeders initially warned that the youngster might not survive for long.
But Simon and Garfunkel continued reaching milestones and appeared to be thriving.
The gecko shed its skin without assistance the day after hatching and was placed inside a specially modified enclosure that made food easier to reach.
By four weeks old, Simon and Garfunkel weighed just 1.8g.
Both heads could eat independently without assistance and neither appeared to be dominant.
Their positioning also meant they were unable to reach or bite one another.
Simon and Garfunkel had dicephaly – a rare developmental abnormality in which an animal is born with two heads.
The exact frequency of the condition among crested geckos is unknown.
A peer-reviewed review published in 2010 found that only four cases of dicephalism had then been documented across three families of lizards, including geckos.
An ordinarily healthy crested gecko can live for between 15 and 20 years in human care.
However, there is no established life expectancy for a two-headed hatchling.
Crested geckos are native to New Caledonia and were believed to be extinct for more than a century before being rediscovered in 1994.
Fans who had closely followed Simon and Garfunkel’s journey were devastated by the news.
One person paid tribute, writing: “There’s twice as many stars in the sky tonight.”
Another person said: “This breaks my heart. I had serious hopes of seeing em [SIC] grow and the character they would show in future posts.
“I am terribly sorry for your loss.”
A third person wrote added: “Bummer I had such high hopes for these little fellas. Thank you for keeping us on your journey, rest easy.”
Meanwhile, a fourth person commented: “That’s so sad. I was so hoping they’d make it to adulthood.”
A fifth person said: “This news is so sad.”
READ MORE: Uber driver taking bins out MAULED by dog – three-inch-deep hole in leg and ‘blood everywhere’
