Massive lizard discovered in Moot swimming pool
Family shocked to discover huge water monitor swimming in their pool.
A 4.5kg water monitor was found taking a dip in a Villieria family’s swimming pool on Tuesday morning.
The massive lizard, which measures an impressive 1.5m in length, was first discovered behind the family’s rubbish bin before hurriedly making its way to the pool.
Angeliné Schwan, spokesperson for the National Zoological Gardens (NZG), said NZG staff were called in to help rescue the bewildered reptile.
“[The lizard] was rescued from the water and zoo staff found a noose around its neck that had already caused a great deal of scarring. It was determined that it had most likely been there for an extended period of time,” said Schwan.
“Subsequently, its hyoid bone in its throat area had been damaged. Upon arrival at the zoo it was taken to the NZG’s animal hospital for treatment and has now been transferred to the reptile park quarantine facility.”
Water monitors, also known as a likkewaan in Afrikaans, were found across the east of South Africa and occur naturally in Pretoria. They are solitary animals.
Schwan said they were not considered preferred pets due to their temperamental personalities.
“It is also illegal to keep one as a pet because they are indigenous in South Africa. No indigenous animals may be kept as pets in this country.”
The lizard will likely be released once it has fully recovered.
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