Shingleback Lizard rescue

[den]

Last night I rescued a shingleback lizard. He was moved from a yard because the people were worried the neighbourhood dogs would harm him. I took the lizard to the zoovets for a checkup, and let him go on the edge of town.



They're also called bog-eye lizards, two-headed lizards (their tails mimic the heads), pineapple lizards, and walking turds.



He was found by one of the kids, who trod on him in the long grass.



Crikey! He's a bit stroppy!

I took him out to the zoovets for an xray. While I was there the nurse skipped into the room and said happily "Hey guess what? We have to do the koalas again!" Dr Jodie groaned loudly and Dr Timm sank forward until his head was on the xray plate.

"Oh GOD!" he moaned.

"What's wrong with cute, cuddly koalas?" I asked.

"You don't think they're cute or cuddly when you have to harass them every week," said Timm.



I want the doctor, to take your picture...

No broken bones, clean bill of health. Back onto the bush for you.

Comments

[goodluckfox.livejournal.com]

Are they venomous? :)

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

No! But, if you get your finger caught in that mouth he'll clamp down tight and do crocodile rolls. You risk a dislocated knuckle.

[azhdragon.livejournal.com]

of course they're venomous! they're australian!

the only animals in australia that are not venomous are *some* of the sheep.

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

Shush. We want the Yanks to come out here, cos every one the animals take is one less Aussie lost.

Ooh! Did I say that out loud?

[daemionfox.livejournal.com]

I heard nothing!

[chriswheeler.livejournal.com]

That Icon is so appropriate to what you wrote.

[kurtbatz.livejournal.com]

ADORABLE lizard ^_____^

[kreggan.livejournal.com]

Oh, you should see the blue-tongues. :>

[zhenzhi.livejournal.com]

walking turds!!!!! LOLOLOL!!!! :-)
he's a beautiful turd though.

[walkertxkitty.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry....I can't possibly give this particular critter an "awww, cute". It does unfortunately resemble nothng so much as a walking turd. I will, however, give it marks for originality and it has some marvelous coloration and texture! I like the eyes; they're not all buggy like some reptiles.

[kamau-d-lyon.livejournal.com]

Nice save. As for the koalas; I understand they can be quite feisty when they want to be. Cute, yes but they are still wild animals.

[falconea.livejournal.com]

Also known as "bob tails" in WA and shinglebacks in Victoria.

I think they look like pine cones.

And yes, they bite viciously. Will draw lots of blood and can break the smaller bones in the hand. They also don't tame - bluetongues usually settle down quickly once they realise you're not hurting them - bob tails will do the whole display even after being in captivity for a couple of years.

Audrey

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

the "Bob-tail" is why it's called "two-headed lizard" here. Silly people.

[weyrdbird.livejournal.com]

Hooray for scaly reptiles!:D

[penprickle.livejournal.com]

Now THAT is a MOUTH.

[daemionfox.livejournal.com]

I'll say that's one of the most interesting (and better designed) sets of armor I've seen outside of a Natural History museum.

Cool!

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

They feel like a pineapple. A very cranky pineapple.

Harassing the koalas

[chriswheeler.livejournal.com]

Is it a keeping away from the humans training or was it in the context of doing checkups?

Hi there!

[brunahildm.livejournal.com]

So, my brother, ounceofreason says you should be my new friend! I figured, heck, I like friends, and when he told me that you're a vet tech (which I used to be), live in New Zealand (where I'd like to be) and are into bats (which I adore), the deal was sealed for me.

Therefore: hi!

Re: Hi there!

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

Hiya! ounceofreason is partly right. I live in Australia, I'm a volunteer rescuer/rehabber, and I'm very fond of bats. 1/3 is okay. 8)

Re: Hi there!

[dewhitton.livejournal.com]

(also, my friends list is HUGE. I hope you don't mind if I don't add you back immediately.)

Re: Hi there!

[brunahildm.livejournal.com]

Heh. That works just as well :) I'm very interested in wildlife rehab, and am working on getting into it here in New Hampshire.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

[beki.livejournal.com]

He certainly is an interesting looking fellow.. A bit cranky though. I hope he doesnt want Den fingers for lunch with a side of ranch dressing ;)

[jrrhack.livejournal.com]

Oh that is a bunch of nice scales.