Reptile & Amphibian Forums

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,,,)

Sounds like your monitor was a speical one! You should post a pic of that animal when you can as I would love to see what he look liked. Regards, Big Jim

I uploaded pics to the pic gallery. not sure if they will load now? here goes...
michael

Very nice looking water monitor! good luck with you other animals. Jim

aw man, sorry for your loss. Great looking animal. You know it's really cool he led a nice long fulfilling life, you should be proud of that.

He was a chubby fella haha.

Tom

I'm certainly a nobody when it comes to monitors, but I'm truely sorry for your loss. He obviously had a good, long life and was the better for it.

Quig
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Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself

My condolences for your loss. But finally a story of a monitor that lived a very long life. Congrats on allowing ten more years.

Did he pass in genes on, you said he have females in with him.

A week or so ago, a fella came here looking to build a cage. With artificial rockwork and such, I recomended something more like yours. With trees and murals and water. By the way, what I saw of the mural was good. A mural is suppose to focus on the animals and not be the focus.

I hope he passed his genes on.

I have an old fella only a mere 22, and I have had him for 12 or 13 years. He has fathered many offspring and his offspring have fathered more, etc. So he will not be lost when he dies.

Believe it or not, your story is a good one and you should be proud. Most stories here about waters are of them dying as babies or very young. Good stories are so very rare here.

So congrats for putting the effort in and congrats for caring for your animal. Congrats and my condolences.

P.S. for others, yes that water appeared overweight, but this goes to show you, that even overweight individuals can live a very long life. In most cases its not being overweight that kills them.

So sorry to hear of your loss...

Be proud to have shared your life with such a magnificent animal..

He is swimming on the other side .. trust me when i say that

Tom
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Safari Tom
See'em Touch'em Save'em
www.SafariTom.com

I can't feel sorry for your lost, this monitor was the King of captives, he surpassed all others and proved good keepers make good captives, way to go!
I can only congratulate you.
If I live to be this old and healthy in human life terms, no need for sadness let me go with a smile
Bravo!

I can only hope my two teenage water monitors get to be with me for that many more years. Good on you for taking great care of your monitor.

Hey Monsterfan,
Mary and I pass our condolences to you for your loss... That is quite an animal and an even better life story. Our hats off to you for putting forward the money and resources to give that beautiful monitor a life worth living... As Frank mentioned, we hope those genes are still circulating. Best to you- Mike & Mary

Sorry for your lost. I hope my 6 inch sav will live that long. Can you give us a picture of your basement, I want to see your design.

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I have a 3 1/2 year old BT that I love very much. He is 6feet 9inches, weighs 43lbs and his name is "Black". I hope to share as many years with him as you have with "Ducky". I can feel the love you have for your animal in your words and I love Black just as much. So in memory of "Ducky" I promise to allow "Black" the opportunity to live a long, happy, healthy and prosperous life. Hats off to you for making such a great life for your monitor.

Sean,

great story! sorry for your loss,and thanks for sharing!

Michael,

Terribly sorry to hear the news. If only all keepers had the love, dedication and support you have with your monitors. Sad I never got over there to see him, much regret now.

Condolences,

John