THE team at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) is currently nurturing a monitor lizard rescued from near drowning at Lucien Beach, Margate.

In a harrowing rescue, an alert individual spotted the monitor lizard on the brink of drowning. Observing signs of distress, such as immobility in its tail and back legs, minimal tongue movement, closed eyes, difficulty lifting its neck and significant bloating, they promptly notified the relevant authorities.

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A Crow member from the South Coast Depot swiftly responded, rescuing and providing initial care until the monitor lizard could be transferred to the rehabilitation centre in Yellowwood Park.

Clint Halkett-Siddall, Crow’s operations director, explained that upon receiving the monitor lizard, it underwent examination and was then housed in an enclosure set to a temperature of 32°C with a cooler area to regulate its body temperature and aid in its recovery.

The species was identified as a sub-adult Nile Monitor Lizard, a sizeable predatory reptile known to grow up to 2.2m in length, typically found near water sources where they primarily feed on fish, birds and small mammals.

“After a few days in recovery, the monitor lizard had gained strength and was feeding well, but we were concerned about its lack of responsiveness. It was taken to the uShaka vet where it was diagnosed with possible neurological damage. Currently, it is housed in a reptile enclosure undergoing recovery,” said Siddall.

Siddall mentioned that a release date for the monitor lizard remains uncertain as they continue to monitor its progress. They aim to observe its recovery further before considering transitioning it to a larger enclosure for continued rehabilitation.

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