High Point iguana-rescue update: Shelter arrival, and citywide fame

As you can see in that video, not an easy task to move an iguana from one container to another. That’s Seattle Animal Shelter animal-care officer Michael Kokernak making the transfer earlier this afternoon at the shelter’s HQ in Interbay, watched by Sean, the High Point resident who rescued the iguana he’s nicknamed “Lucky.” If you missed it over the past few days, the story first started unfolding here with this post early Saturday, after another High Point neighbor, Ann, saw a couple drive up to the High Point pond, where they abandoned “Lucky.” She and others worried about the iguana’s fate, went looking for it; then Sunday, Sean wound up finding it in a tree near his home – appropriately enough, since he’s an arborist; here’s the photo he took after the rescue, which left him fairly scratched up because “Lucky” was somewhat stuck in that tree:

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Sean didn’t want to talk to us on camera; he just wants to make sure “Lucky” finds a good home, and Seattle Animal Shelter is fairly confident it can help make that happen. So if you ever find yourself with a pet you can no longer care for – please don’t just abandon it somewhere – most such cases don’t turn out as well as this one. The shelter promises to let us know when “Lucky” gets adopted. And re: “citywide fame” – at least two citywide-media outlets picked up this tale of neighborliness and animal-welfare concern after seeing it on WSB; the first bit of coverage we know of for sure is via our ex-co-workers at Q13, who were at the shelter for the handoff, so you might see something at 9/10 pm tonight. 10:23 PM UPDATE: Short story on Q13, though they didn’t attribute to WSB, just said “according to a local blog.” Our material is copyrighted, FYI, and we have a strong policy of giving credit where credit’s due when we get info somewhere else, so we’re hopeful that will be remedied if the story is rerun.

3 Replies to "High Point iguana-rescue update: Shelter arrival, and citywide fame"

  • WSMom July 14, 2008 (5:56 pm)

    Tell me why these make good pets?? I guess I’m more into furry and cuddly.

  • Wombat July 14, 2008 (8:03 pm)

    Because they intimidate the hell out of you and force you to work overtime which = $$$

  • Barbara July 16, 2008 (1:56 pm)

    Iguanas do not make good “pets” for everyone . I am an iguana keeper and I don’t consider them ” pets ” at all . I consider them to be magestic creatures that can adapt to the right human . They have an inteligence that is suprising and are capable of a range of emotions that will leave you dumb struck . Mine will scratch at doors to go out and are ” potty trained ” to go in the bath tub for easy clean-up . They are simple yet complicated to live with . They can be dangerous and can hurt you very bad if frightened or feel thier territory is threatened . They go through many changes in thier mating season . If you are a perseptive person capable of reading thier ” body language ” , you may find them to be the most wonderful and facinating creatures to live with . Because of thier razor sharp teeth they are NOT good companions for young children . Although they are rough and tough on the outside , thier physiology is very delicate . There aren’t many vets around with proper knowledge , so vet care can be hard to find . There are people like me , who love thier iguanas more than words can say . If , after researching them , you wanted to have one come live with you , I would strongly urge you NOT to buy one from a pet store . This only promotes ” breeding for profit ” , and with ” exotics ” , this is a BAD idea . There are Sanctuaries and Herp. Societies , where you can find them . Even Craig’s list . I hope this answers some of the many questions you may have about ” Why do iguanas make good ” pets ” “,,,,Thanks,,,An iguana keeper

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