Illegal lizard handed over to zoo
Advertiser Staff
An 18-inch Savannah monitor lizard was turned over to the Honolulu Zoo on Thursday afternoon.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
The lizard was taken to the zoo by five people under the state's amnesty program, a Department of Agriculture official said. State laws prohibit the possession and importation of monitor lizards.
An 18-inch Savannah monitor lizard was turned over to the Honolulu Zoo under the state's amnesty program. The lizards, which have a powerful bite and sharp claws, can get aggressive, officials said.
Anyone caught with an illegal animal faces a fine of up to $200,000 and three years in jail. But under the amnesty program, people can voluntarily turn in an illegal animal and avoid prosecution.
Monitor lizards are native to Africa and can grow up to 3 1/2 feet and weigh 12 pounds. The lizards are carnivorous and feed on earthworms, crickets and rodents.
Officials said monitor lizards can become aggressive and have a powerful bite and sharp claws.
People with information on illegal animals are asked to call the Department of Agriculture's Pest Hotline at 586-PEST (7378).
