Escher Update

Some of you may know, there is a new iguana at The Drawing Zoo. Pierce's passing still weighs heavy on me, and in my heart he will never be replaced. But Iguanas are heavily exploited animals and it felt awful to have all the resources to care for one and not. Taking care of an iguana got me back into my daily routine, which is helpful in the mourning process.

On August 31, I took Escher for his/her first check up. He/she is 98 grams and one year old. Escher is underdeveloped for a yearling and has suffered several broken toes, a tail that's been broken at least twice and burns all over his/her body. Since Escher has come to live with me, he/she had not eaten on his/her own accord. I feed Escher but placing food in his/her mouth when he/she tries to bite me. The fecal test also revealed an abnormally large quantity of bacteria.
Collectively this was not good news. But it is common. Young iguanas in the pet trade endure injury and stress in the shipping process that gets them into stores or expos. The iguanas who survive the shipping process either die of stress or malnutrition in the store (depending on how specialized the store is) or end up as an impulse purchase. Most iguana owners, even in 2016, don't know the essential needs and expenses of these tropical lizards. Or they figure it out too late.

The day I took Pierce '09

As depressing as this reality is, it's nostalgic for me. When I took Pierce (2009) he was in nearly the exact same condition. Purchased on impulse twice. By the time I took him, he was covered in burns, gangrene and was underdeveloped. Even though he grew to an impressive size, he never grew to his full potential. If you knew him, you know he made up for in personality!

Fortunately for Escher, I am seasoned in the art of caring for an ill iguana. Almost 4 weeks after bringing Escher home, he/she is taking medicine like a champ, and most importantly- eating and drinking with no help from me!

-Brittany Roger