Meet the Zoo: Iguana Iguana

It could be the name of a hot Mexican restaurant in Williamsburg, but iguana iguana is actually the taxonomic name for one of the more popular animals at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s —the green iguana.  

Common green iguanas have a wide distribution throughout Central and South America. They are one of the largest lizards in the Americas and certainly one of the most beautiful.

Isabella and Olive, each about six years old, are Prospect Park Zoo’s original pair of iguanas. They live in the Animal Lifestyles building. Olive’s zoo career has shifted to the Education Department where she plays an interpretive role in the Animal Encounters and school programs. Isabella was left to share her exhibit with a red footed tortoise roommate until Ferdinand, a handsome two year old iguana, was obtained this year and introduced to Isabella. And just to round out the Central American theme, a boa constrictor was added to the group.

Like all iguanas, Ferdinand and Isabella have strong jaws and long tails which are nearly half the length of their body. These tails are used to ward off predators. Iguanas spend most of their time in the rainforest canopy and zoo visitors will see both of them resting on vines at the top of the exhibit most of the time. Iguanas are herbivores and a special treat for them is flowers, especially the giant red hibiscus that decorate the zoo’s Discovery Trail. Keepers will often pick a few choice blossoms for Ferdinand and Isabella’s breakfast or afternoon snack.

Although iguanas are a popular pet, they are now considered an invasive species in Florida where they were introduced through a variety of means including the pet trade through owners who “dumped” their former pets. The iguanas are adapting to their new habitat by adjusting their diet and habits to food sources and burrows of local endangered species like the Florida burrowing owl and the Miami blue butterfly. Invasive species populations like the Florida iguanas can become a real danger to fragile ecosystems.  By making careful decisions before choosing an exotic animal as a pet, you can play a vital role in saving wildlife and wild places. Consider visiting your favorite exotic animals like Ferdinand and Isabella at any of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s wonderful zoos and aquarium.