"New Kids On The Block - Part 2" - Just in Jenson

As mentioned last week we have had a recent influx of new animals which is very exciting for everyone involved.

When I first had connections with Animal Care back in 2009  some very interesting lizards called "Uromastyx"  also known as the "Spiny Tailed Lizard" arrived from Heathrow Airport; they had been part of an illegal import case. Over the years I have become very attached to the Uromastyx we had as they make great animals to handle and  to show students who are more nervous of handling reptiles.

Uri who became Sahara later (long story) was one of my firm favourites - we had no idea how old she was due to the fact she was originally taken from the wild and was being illegally imported in to the UK.  Heathrow like to rehome these animals to places where they know they will be well cared for and have the expertise they need, that is why she ended up at "MKC". Sahara was likely to be quite old so is no longer with us. Uromastyx are known to live as long as thirty years.

"Sahara (formerly Uri) and me of course !"

A decision was made to get a new Uromastyx as they are popular with students, but can be quite hard to get hold of. The good news is that we now have a new "Spiny Tailed Lizard" who this time is a male. Jo O wanted a nice manly name for him so came up with the name "Jenson", which I like as it sounds like Jen's Son :) So here is another of our "New Kids On The Block".

Jenson says "Who's the kid around here? It's certainly not me?"

Like Sahara, Jenson is a "Gery" Uromastyx but is a yellow phase rather than a red one (Sahara). He is captive bred and still quite young. Although a little nervous at first; he has quickly settled in to his Vivarium and has been in the classroom a few times with me and enjoys head tickles.

A surprise for this type of lizard is that they are Herbivores so live mainly on plant matter and due to this diet actually do not need to have a separate water supply. Uromastyx are from very hot, desert countries mainly in North Africa.

"This is my side profile - how handsome am I?!"

Although Jenson will not replace Sahara - I am sure he to will be a popular choice for students to handle - I certainly have already become very fond of him.  

Stay tuned for some more newbies.