It is with great sorrow I announce the death of my Burmese Water Monitor. He was imported in the early eighties and came from Burma (Myanmar). The waters from Burma were some of the largest species to come from Asia. His name was Ducky, for his love of water. I purchased him a little less than ten years ago. He was massive! But he was absolutely stunning. His yellow and orange color were so bright he resembled a croc monitor more than a water monitor. He was as gentle as a lamb and he definitely lived the good life. His "cage" was huge. I hired contractors to transform my basement into Ducky's permanant enclosure. Complete with real trees, fake trees made of foam that you see in the zoos, a 150 gallon pond, a fully painted jungle mural, radiant heat, the works. Giving him a real natural and large enclosure, allowed him to live life like he was in the wild. Which included lots of swimming and lots of breeding. He was a very special lizard and the last of a rare breed. Myanmar does not trade with the U.S. so getting waters from Burma is rare. The waters from Burma look extremely unique and are known for thier high yellow color and there giant size. About 2 weeks ago he lost the ability to use his legs. I knew once his legs went, the rest of him would begin to shut down soon. He became unable to swallow food and last night ne passed away. I measured him and he was 83" and about 85lbs. He lived a very nice long life (we estimate he may be close to 30 years old) not exactly sure since i was his third owner. I am just so saddened that my giant friend is gone. The one thing I hold dear, is that I have hours of video footage of him, playing, swimming, eating and especially breeding with 2 other large female waters. I may have to wait a little while to view them. Now I am off to dig a grave that literally looks like it is for a human. Rest in Peace... my friend I will miss you always.
Michael
(thanks for taking the time to read this,,,)

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