Several weeks ago Mid Michigan Reptile Rescue took in 28 animals in one rescue operation. The owner of these animals had passed away and left no instructions for the ongoing care of his collection so the family called animal control to pick them up. They were transferred to Michigan Humane Society who then called us.
When we arrived to pick up the animals we were pretty amazed at the variety of the collection. This gentleman had left behind 4 Cyclura Iguanas, 2 Croc monitors, 2 Water monitors, 2 Peachthroat monitors, 2 Bluetail monitors, 2 Timor monitors, 3 Argus monitors, 1 large Blackthroat monitor, 3 Argentine B/W Tegus, 2 Blue Tegus(may be Blue/Red crosses), and 4 Red Tegus. It took many hours to get all of these animals set up in appropriate enclosures and outfitted with heat and water. Many of these animals were showing signs of neglect and need rehabilitation but all have responded well to clean conditions, adequate heat, clean water, and food.
Some of these lizards have old wounds that are healed, some have some superficial scarring that may fade with continued sheds, and a couple are missing a foot or limb but seem unaffected by the loss. The Tegus are all suffering from some skin issues but are recovering well with treatment.
This man had quite an investment in this collection of animals. This is a good reminder that we should all think about what will become of our pets if something should happen to us and we are no longer able to care for them.
