Blue+Spiny+Lizard

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=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Notes on Enrichment & Training


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Potential Messaging

 * In general, animals seen at the zoo do not make good pets. Most have specialized dietary, veterinary, housing, and social needs that are difficult or impossible for even dedicated pet owners to meet. Always ensure that your future pet has not been taken from the wild. Capture of wild animals for the pet trade has significantly damaged the survival prospects of species such as sloths, tamanduas, and many parrots. Captured animals are typically mistreated by profit-motivated traffickers and dealers, resulting in many animal deaths; well-meaning animal lovers may feel like they are rescuing animals by purchasing them but are really perpetuating the cruelty. In addition, many exotic pets are released by their owners when they become too dangerous or demanding, often with devastating effects on local ecosystems. Animals that should never be kept as pets include all bats, primates, and exotic carnivores. Birds, fish, and reptiles have specialized needs, are frequently wild-caught, and damage the local environment if released; guests should be advised to educate themselves and proceed with caution. Domestic dogs and cats are almost always the best option! Many deserving animals are available for adoption at animal shelters. [] []

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=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Children's Zoo at Celebration Square: Our male Blue Spiny was hard to get accustomed to being handled - he was very skittish and stressed. After about a month of training he is much better and settles well (still squirmy to catch, but fine once in the hand). We found it hard to get reliable in-depth scientific information on these guys. We had a female who was much calmer for handling. The public love them and they are interesting to touch. We found out from first-hand experience that they are live-birth reptiles. We had 16 babies one morning!
 * Zoo America: Small and fast; sometimes hard to hold.

=__Natural History Information__=

Threats and Conservation Status
=__Did you know…__=

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters

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 * //Activity Schedule: diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular//
 * //Continent of Origin//
 * //Diet Requirements: carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, etc.//
 * //General Habitat/Biome: deserts, forests, mountains, etc.//