National Pet Month – Why Iguanas Make Bad Pets

Here at Hopefield we’re home to 3 iguanas – Percy, Penelope, and Vlad. All came from different backgrounds, but have one thing in common… they should never have been introduced to the pet trade ❌

🦎 Penelope arrived after being taken in by another rescue as barely more than a hatching. She was being kept by a drug addict who would fill her vivarium with marijuana smoke, which we believe has caused her stunted growth.

🦎 Percy came to the sanctuary after his elderly owner passed away. The family were desperate to find him a new home as he would have been put to sleep if a new owner didn’t come forward.

🦎 Vlad came into our care when his original owners were going to have him put to sleep due to aggression issues.

These animals can be incredibly temperamental, and difficult to handle, even for experienced reptile owners. Growing up to 7 feet in length, they need a huge amount of space, and due to their nature, require dedicated handling when young to become ‘tame’. Even when tamed, these oversized lizards have no problem biting, whipping their tail, or charging, particularly when their breeding hormone levels are high.

Sadly, most iguanas die prematurely when kept as pets due to a lack of adequate care and knowledge 💔