Green Iguanas can be wonderful pets--for the right people. Unfortunately, many iguanas end up in homes where they are not properly cared for. Between unscrupulous (or uninformed) dealers (who sell them with the assurance that they will stay small) and carnies at the State Fair (who give away live iguanas as prizes in midway games), hundreds of iguanas find themselves with less than adequate care.
Most of these animals probably die from poor husbandry before they finish their first year. A very few are fortunate enough to find owners who take the time to research their needs, and live long, healthy lives. The rest may survive, but never be in optimum condition.
Frequently, owners will tire of their pets, and their first inclination is to try to sell them. We receive 5-10 calls every week from individuals trying to sell iguanas. The most frequent reasons are:
Some iguanas come with bigger problems than others. Some have deficiency diseases, injuries, parasites, stunted growth, poor temperament or other difficulties.
If you are interested in providing a home for one or more unwanted iguanas, please visit us at the store (to verify that you have the knowledge and facilities to deal with them). We will add your name to a list of Iguana Rescuers, and you will be called (on a rotating basis) and offered one or more iguanas at no charge. The animal(s) you are offered may have health or behavior problems, so you should not accept the offer if you are not able to provide the needed level of care. Or you may be offered an animal with no known problems, simply because we have been given more than we can efficiently house. If you take an animal, your name will be removed from the list, unless you request that it be left on. If you decline to take an animal, your name will be rotated to the bottom of the list, or removed, whichever you prefer.