LEICESTER MERCURY (UK) 11 December 06 Lonely Lizard Clings On To His New Pal

A lizard is being carried around by a member of staff at the attraction where he lives - because he gets lonely.

Twinlakes' Tegu lizard had to live with staff member Helen Saxby when he first arrived at the park in Melton while his new home was finished.

However, it appears the lizard got a little too used to the home comforts of a sofa and television compared to a more usual reptilian habitat.

When his official new residence was complete, staff noticed he did not seem quite "at home" in it and preferred to be out and about with Helen.

Now the lizard, who is yet to be named, sits in a Christmas stocking being carried round the park with his human pal while she does her various jobs round the park.

Helen said: "I keep lizards at home myself, so I've got the right accommodation for him.

"He loved it. I had him out a lot and he would sit on my settee. He was really, really tame and he seemed to enjoy pottering about.

"He definitely liked the home comforts."

After five days living with Helen, his own place was ready but the lizard was not keen on his new home.

Helen said: "He would just hide and when you went in he would try and dash out.

"With all the Christmas festivities on at the park the only item I could find was a Christmas stocking to carry him around in.

"He does like it. I do have to keep a close eye on him and the public find it quite amusing.

"I suppose he just likes watching the world go by. He's a bit of an attention-seeker as well."

Helen said the more they handle the lizard now the tamer he will be, which will make him much easier to handle when fully grown.



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