TIMES OF INDIA (New Delhi) 13 January 11 SPCA rescues a monitor lizard tied to electric pole (Sandhya Nair)

Mumbai (TNN): An adult monitor lizard, the kind that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj famously used to climb the sides of a fort's wall, has been rescued by the Thane Society for Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals (SPCA), from captivity in Vasai.

The lizard, called Ghorpad in Marathi, is around 3.5 feet in length.

It is categorized under Schedule I of the the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, which provides absolute protection to the species; offences are prescribed the highest penalties.

Doctors at the animal hospital located on Ghodbunder Road performed a three-hour-long gruelling orthopedic surgery on the lizard, which was found in an extremely dehydrated condition at Sativali village in Vasai (East). "Acting on a tip-off, we reached the village and found the lizard tied to an electric pole. It is a wild life species and may have been kept in captivity for medicinal purpose," said Thane SPCA president Shakuntala Majumdar.

Multiple injuries had rendered the lizard immobile. A whole body digital x-ray revealed that the arm bones on its either side were completely broken, as well as a bone of the forearm.

Urgent surgery was suggested by Dr V M Chariar. Following a dose of two antibiotics, a full surgical prep was undertaken and the reptile was draped in a sterile wrap and intra-medullary pinning was undertaken to stabilize both humeral fractures. The monitor has started his regular feed of uncooked chicken and is recuperating. It will be released in the wild after its recovery in about 20 days.
SPCA rescues a monitor lizard tied to electric pole

[ Show Entire Thread ]