Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I haven't decided on the species of monitor that I am going to purchase yet, but I am leaning toward a small to medium size because I am going to keep it in my High School classroom so I cannot build a huge enclosure.

My question: I spend my summers in Oregon, and the school year in Texas.

How well can a monitor travel by car?
It's about a 1600 mile trip, with varying temperatures and elevations. Also, my favorite route takes me through Moab, Utah, so I will want to take at least an extra day to do some mountain biking.

Would I be better off trying to arrange to have it shipped? How difficult is it to ship a 2'-4' monitor?

EDIT: I am thinking either a pair of Ackies, or a single savannah or blackthroat.

a blackthroat is niether small nor medium They get quite large and will require a whole room for themselves eventually. A savannah is more on the medium side, ackies would be the best choice for a classroom. As far as traveling.... do you have anyone who could "monitor sit" for you while you are away? Because while they usually can handle trips and temp changes fine over a few days. It seems to me you are more worried about yourself having a good time than the health of the lizard.
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"If you talk to animals,
they will talk with you
and you will know each other.

If you do not talk to them,
you will not know them,
and what you do not know
you will fear.

What one fears,
one destroys."
.

-Chief Dan George