Tegu for You?

Yesterday, my family and I took a trip to the local zoo. Seems like everyone one else in the Houston area had the same idea, but I digress . . .

We were very excited to see the new African Forest exhibit, especially the chimpanzees. They were definitely worth the visit all by themselves, coming up to the glass of their enclosure and interacting with the crowd.

But on the way through the zoo, we stopped to visit with a docent, who had a Tegu Lizard in tow. Or, rather, the Tegu Lizard had her in tow. Not being up on my lizards, I'd never heard of one before.

The docent allowed us to stroke the Tegu. It was much like petting a cowboy boot.

In honor of the tolerant lizard, here are a few randoms about his relatives:

1. They are a South American lizard.

2. They come in three basic varieties -- red, black and white, and black.

3. A fully grown male will reach three to three-and-a-half feet and weigh about eight pounds.

4. Their hides are used to make purses and wallets.

5. They are often kept as pets.