Welcome, Iggy!

We are very excited to announce Pacific Science Center’s newest resident: Iggy, a green iguana (Iguana iguana). The Animal Care team has been working with Seattle Animal Shelter to allow some of their foster care reptiles to be put on display in our exhibit area. Starting today we get our first foster animal.



Welcome Iggy, a three-year-old female iguana to the Reptile, Amphibian, and Mammal (RAM) Zone. While she is on display here, she will be viewed by thousands of people. We hope that one of them has the room in their life to offer Iggy a new home.

Iguanas are arboreal, diurnal reptiles. They can climb, swim, run, and lash enemies with their tails. But most of the time they lie around sunning themselves, or eating kale. Iguanas have a light sensing "third eye" that helps them maintain a proper body temperature.

In addition to their tails, iguanas have another unintentional weapon: their claws are used to cling to branches but can scratch inexperienced handlers. We will be on the alert to avoid this.

Iggy was staying with a wonderful foster family who is very sorry to part with her. But Iggy is such a large reptile (approximately 12 lbs), the foster family had trouble providing the space she needed. Iguanas also require full spectrum lighting, high temperature and humidity, and a diet of fresh greens served daily.

These will be serious considerations for whoever adopts her. In other words, we might be able to hang out with her for a few months until the right home comes along. We look forward to it and welcome you to come say, “Hi.” Don't forget to bring your camera!

Readers interested in giving Iggy a forever home should contact Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W., 206-386-7387.